Police in Kirinyaga County have launched a manhunt for a 40-year-old woman suspected of fatally stabbing her lover during a dispute at Muragara Shopping Centre in Ndia Sub-County on Christmas Day.
The deceased has been identified as Peter Mwangi Wanyeki, 52, who was allegedly involved in a heated argument with the suspect, Edith Muthoni, at a local bar.
According to eyewitnesses, the disagreement reportedly stemmed from a Ksh60 alcohol bill the two had incurred while drinking. What began as a verbal confrontation quickly escalated into violence.
Witnesses told police that Muthoni allegedly grabbed a knife that had been in use for food preparation during Christmas celebrations and stabbed Wanyeki in the chest. He died on the spot.
One witness, Florence Mureithi, said the knife had been used to prepare food before the incident unfolded.
“I was using the knife to cut potatoes when she suddenly picked it up,” Mureithi told officers.
The killing left Wanyeki’s family devastated, as they were celebrating Christmas at their rural home when they received the tragic news.
“We were together enjoying Christmas when I received a call informing me that my brother had been killed,” said Robert Wanyeki, the deceased’s brother. “I knew the woman. She comes from Kandegwa village, not far from here.”
Another relative, Kaburu Gatimu, who arrived at the scene shortly after the incident, said he found Wanyeki lying in a pool of blood.
“We want justice. There is no reason why she should have killed him,” he said.
Confirming the incident, Kirinyaga West Sub-County Police Commander Jos Mudavadi said the suspect fled the scene immediately after the stabbing and remains at large.
“Our officers have launched an intensive manhunt, and detectives are following several leads,” Mudavadi said. “We urge members of the public to share any information that may help in her arrest.”
Police have moved Wanyeki’s body to a local mortuary as investigations into the circumstances surrounding the killing continue.
