Man stabs wife to death, attempts to kill self

The body of Joyce Wangari, 32, being taken away. The woman was stabbed to death by her husband after a quarrel at Kiganjo Estate in Thika on Wednesday. [Photo: Kamau Maichuhie/Standard]

A man stabbed his estranged wife to death before turning the knife on himself at Kiganjo Estate in Thika.

According to neighbours, George Njenga Chege, 40, picked a quarrel with his wife Joyce Wangari, 32, on Wednesday evening which degenerated into a fight.

Neighbours said spirited attempts to plead with the couple to open the door, which was locked from inside, fell on deaf ears.

"We heard the couple fighting but at first dismissed it since that was normal for them. However, when we realised the man was about to kill his wife, we mobilised young men to break into the room," said Penninah Wambui, a community policing representative in the area.

However, it was too late as they found Wangari lying dead on the floor.

The suspect was seated quietly next to the body while holding a kitchen knife in his hand.

Peter Macharia, who was among the first people at the scene, said a few minutes later, the man stabbed himself several times in the stomach and attempted to pull off his intestines.

Residents said the couple who had been married for more than three years had separated about three months ago. The woman was living alone with her three-year old daughter.

"Even though they have been separated, the man has been frequenting the house. Many of his visits have however been marked by violence and endless dispute. He used to always beat up his wife a lot when he visited," said a neighbour.

The man was said to have been arrested a week ago after he allegedly threatened to stab his wife only for him to be released after she withdrew the complaint.

At the time of the tragedy, the couple's three-year-old daughter, who is now under the custody of her aunt, was away in a nearby kindergarten.

"Despite the fact that her husband mistreated and often beat her up, Wangari loved him very much which explains why she always welcomed him to her house even after they had separated. I wish she had never allowed him back since such a thing would not have happened," said Florence Mueni, a neighbour.

The man was taken to at Thika Level 5 Hospital while the body was taken to General Kago Funeral Home.

Thika West District Administration Police Commandant Samuel Obonyo said the man would face murder charges once he fully recuperates.

"It is a very tragic occurrence. It appears the man picked a quarrel with wife, fought with her and eventually stabbed her several times, killing her instantly. He then turned the knife on himself," said Mr Obonyo.