Kirinyaga: Woman arrested over lover’s Christmas day killing

Kirinyaga West (Ndia) Sub-County Police Commander Jos Mudavadi confirmed that detectives tracked down and arrested the suspect, identified as Edith Muthoni, at her hideout in Kandegwa village.

“She had gone into hiding after the incident. Our officers established her whereabouts and arrested her. She is currently being held at Baricho Police Station as investigations continue,” Mudavadi said.

According to police, the suspect and the deceased, Peter Mwangi Wanyeki, had spent most of Christmas Day together before a disagreement erupted at a local entertainment joint in Muragara.

Eyewitnesses told police that the altercation allegedly stemmed from a dispute over a Ksh.60 alcohol bill. The argument quickly escalated, culminating in the suspect allegedly stabbing Wanyeki in the chest with a kitchen knife.

Residents present at the scene, including Florence Mureithi, said the knife had been in use for food preparation during Christmas celebrations at the bar.

“I had been using the knife to cut potatoes when she suddenly grabbed it and stabbed him,” Mureithi told police.

Wanyeki succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

The incident left the victim’s family devastated, having been in the village celebrating Christmas when they received news of his death.

“We were celebrating Christmas when we got a call informing us that my brother had been killed,” said Robert Wanyeki, the deceased’s brother. “It was shocking. We knew the woman, and she comes from a nearby village.”

Another relative, Kaburu Gatimu, said the family is relieved following the suspect’s arrest and hopes justice will prevail.

“He was a good driver who helped many people in the community. His life was cut short during a time we were meant to celebrate, but instead we are mourning,” Gatimu said.

Police have since moved the body to a local mortuary as investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident continue.