Man accused of setting wife on fire captured and arrested while hiding in Kericho

Robert Tonui accused of attacking and burning his wife Emmi Mitey. [Photo: Standard]

Police officers in Konoin have arrested a 50-year-old man who disappeared after burning his wife following a domestic row.

Robert Tonui has been on the run for more than a week after committing the crime that led to the death of his wife Emmy Chepkoech Mitey. 

She died of the injuries sustained during the attack that happened in Seanin, Bomet County.

Hideout in Kericho

Konoin Sub- County Police Commander Alex Shinkondi has confirmed the suspect was traced to his hideout in Kericho on Monday night.

Shikondi said detectives were given a tip-off that led to the raid. Tonui was hiding at the outskirts of Kericho town where police arrested and booked him at Kericho Central police station.

“A relative of the suspect volunteered the information on his whereabouts and our detectives managed to get him at night while he was sleeping,” said the police boss.

The police commander said the suspect will be charged with murder before Bomet High Court on Wednesday.

The October 3, 2020, incident that happened at Seanin Village in Konoin has caused an outcry. Relatives of the deceased are demanding justice for their daughter who was brutally killed by the suspect in what is believed to be a case of domestic violence. 

Ambushed the deceased

The suspect is said to have followed his wife to her parents’ home where he committed the crime.

Susan Mitey, a sister to Chepkoech (the deceased) said her brother-in-law stormed their home at around 9pm. He found Chepkoech sitting by the fireplace after taking dinner. Tonui then doused her in petrol and set her on fire. 

Chepkoech was the Deputy Head Teacher at Cheptalal Primary School. She died at Tenwek Mission Hospital where she was undergoing treatment after sustaining 97 per cent burns on her body.

Shikondi said the suspect is expected to record a statement today ahead of tomorrow where he is expected in court.