A 24-year-old Nyeri man is in police custody after he allegedly slashed and injured his wife and toddler on Sunday in a row over the price of maize flour.
This came as millers in Rift Valley and western Kenya resolved to reduce flour prices, which have skyrocketed in the past two months beyond the reach of many households.
The dawn attack occurred in the couple’s rented house in Ruring’u, Nyeri County.
Mr Wilson Kiguru Kamau is said to have attacked his family with a kitchen knife.
Reports say Mr Kamau accused Ms Mercy Njeri, 28, of spending too much money on maize flour.
STABBED MULTIPLE TIMES
She was stabbed multiple times in the face, neck and head, while the two-year-old boy suffered a deep cut on the forehead.
According to Ms Njeri, who works at a children’s daycare centre, trouble started on Saturday night when her husband demanded rent money.
The woman, however, explained that she had spent her last coin on flour.
“He was asking for rent money but I had spent all my money on food since I am the breadwinner,” said Ms Njeri.
Ms Njeri recalled that they went to bed as usual on Saturday but, at around 5am, she was awoken by blows from her husband. He then picked up a knife and stabbed his son in the face before turning on her, she said.
RESCUED BY NEIGHBOURS
The woman was rescued by neighbours, who heard her screams. Mother and son were taken to Consolata Hospital-Mathari, where they were admitted.
They were said to be out of danger.
“We found her lying in a pool of blood next to the child but the husband ran away,” said a neighbour who declined to be named, adding that that was not the first time the man was accusing his wife of spending too much on food.
“He does not work and he has been living off his wife,” said the neighbour. “In the past, they have argued about money and food.”
Police records show that the man later surrendered at Nyeri Central Police Station, where he told officers that he had killed his wife and son and they should go and collect the bodies.
MAN IN CUSTODY
Nyeri OCPD Muinde Kioko said the man was in custody and would be questioned before being taken to court.