Residents of Kiriko in Gatundu North are grappling with shock after a man decapitated his uncle on Tuesday morning over a longstanding tussle over land.
The accused, identified as GW, 28, purportedly assaulted his 47-year-old uncle, John Kamau, with a machete following a heated argument between the two.
According to reports, the altercation began when the deceased confronted the suspect for reprimanding his younger sister, who was preparing to return to school.
David Ng’ang’a, a neighbor who claims to have witnessed the gruesome act, recounted how he responded to distress calls and hurried to the scene. Upon arrival, he observed blood streaming from Kamau’s head while the suspect stood nearby, clutching a blood-stained machete.
Ng’ang’a described the chilling scene, recalling the suspect’s cryptic remark, “they will know who I am,” before viciously attacking his uncle.
Subsequently, other residents intervened, subduing the suspect with ropes and administering physical retribution until law enforcement arrived and rescued him from the mob.
Kinuthia Mwangi, another resident, described the extent of Kamau’s injuries, noting deep lacerations on his abdomen and back.
The suspect resides in a rented accommodation just a few meters away from the victim’s residence.
In response to the tragedy, Gituamba MCA Francis Murima urged community members to prioritize dialogue and mediation as means of resolving disputes rather than resorting to violence.
A police insider revealed that the root of the conflict between the two individuals stemmed from a longstanding dispute over family land.
Following the incident, authorities transported the suspect to Thika Level 5 Hospital for medical attention, while Kamau’s body was conveyed to General Kago Funeral Home in Thika for further procedures.
