Embakasi man in custody for 'attempting to kill his mother over cigarettes'

Man holding a burning cigarette. (Courtesy)

A 33-year-old man who is accused of threatening to stab his mother for allegedly not giving him money for cigarettes will remain in custody pending a pre-bail report.

Samwel Maina Ngige appeared before Makadara Principal Magistrate Erick Mutunga where he was charged with threatening to kill and resisting arrest.

According to court particulars, Ngige threatened to stab his mother, Ann Gathoni, to death using a kitchen knife at her house in Nasra area, Embakasi East.

"I will kill you today with the kitchen knife," he reportedly said.

On the stated day, the accused stormed his mother's house and found his stepfather resting on the couch. The accused then demanded money to buy cigarettes.

His mother told him that she did not have any money. In response, the son poured expletives on the mother, and accused her of keeping a man in the house instead of taking care of her son.

He then went into the kitchen, grabbed a knife and charged at her mother. Gathoni said she ran for dear life and locked herself in the bedroom.

The accused is said to have camped at the door of his mother's bedroom, hurling insults and daring his stepfather to go near him, saying he would deal with him ruthlessly. He ranted for almost an hour.

When his mother managed to sneak out of the house, she rushed to a police station to report him. When police arrived, he reportedly resisted arrest.

He was eventually overpowered and taken to court. The case will be mentioned on September 16 when the report concerning his bail terms will be tabled.