Man stabbed to death over cigarette

By Antony Gitonga                 

Naivasha, Kenya: A fight over a cigarette in Mai Mahiu town ended tragically after a man stabbed his colleague to death.

The suspect who has since gone into hiding stabbed the lorry driver on the neck using a knife after a heated exchange of words.

Following the Sunday incident, sand harvesters in the area threatened to hold demonstration as police launched a man hunt for the suspect.

Trouble started when the driver went to buy a cigarette in one of the shops after parking his lorry which was loaded with sand at the trading center.

According to a witness Peter Njoroge, the suspect borrowed the cigarette but the driver ignored him.

Njoroge said the two exchanged harsh words before the suspect went for a knife stabbing the driver on the throat.

“A heated exchange of words ensued and the suspect drew a knife and stabbed the driver on the neck before fleeing,” he said.

Naivasha OCPD Charles Kortok confirmed the incident adding that the driver was pronounced dead on arrival at Kijabe Mission hospital.

The police boss added that they were seeking the suspect who escaped after the incident and called on members of the public to assist with information.