The family of a woman who died after her husband allegedly battered her in Kapchepkut village, Mogotio sub-county, is demanding justice.
According to the family, police are yet to arrest the suspect more than two weeks after the incident occurred.
The 32-year-old suspect is said to have beaten his wife, Naomi Tuitoek, mercilessly on the night of December 21. Naomi, a mother of four, died while undergoing treatment at the Rift Valley Provincial General Hospital on December 30.
Speaking to The Standard at their home, the family claimed the suspect is related to a senior detective who is protecting him.
Received information
The mother of the deceased, Miriam Tuitoek, said she received information from neighbours that her daughter, 27, had been beaten by her husband following a domestic wrangle.
She said according to Naomi's children, their mother was asleep when their father arrived home drunk and picked a quarrel with her.
“The suspect woke up my daughter who was sleeping and began to quarrel with her. He went ahead to beat her leaving her for dead,” said Miriam.
The relatives said the suspect took her to Emining health centre on a motorcycle, but was referred to Eldama Ravine Hospital. The hospital referred Naomi to Nakuru Level Five Hospital where she died on December 30.
The family reported the case at Mogotio Police Station under Occurrence Book Number 29/02/01/2019.
According to the relatives, even after Naomi died, the suspect did not contact them to inform them about what had transpired.
Miriam wants the police to conduct investigations and arrest the suspect who is said to be hiding in neighbouring Nakuru County.
“He is not remorseful for the grief he has caused me and my family. He should be arrested and charged,” said the mother.
Naomi’s brother Evans Kiprop said the suspect's family should help police in the investigations for justice to take its course.
Hardworking woman
“My sister was a hardworking woman who always toiled to provide for her children and support my mother. It is sad she has left very young children,” said Kiprop.
The couple, according to the family, had frequent domestic wrangles and fights.
"My brother-in-law has not been a responsible man, most of the time he drinks and when questioned by my sister, he picks up a quarrel with her, something that has been affecting their marriage," said the brother.
Mogotio Directorate of Criminal Investigation Officer Otieno Nyamburi said the case had been reported to them and investigations were underway.
“We received the complaint several days after the death. We will arrest the suspect,” said Nyamburi.
The DCIO office has instructed the hospital not to release the body until a postmortem is conducted.
