A boda boda rider from Narok North is currently on the run after allegedly attacking and killing his estranged wife with a machete. The victim, 22-year-old Martha Njeri, succumbed to her injuries following the incident which took place at her sister's residence in the Enabelbel area. The case has been reported to the Kisiriri Police Station, and a manhunt is underway for the suspect, who had reportedly been threatening Njeri prior to the attack.
The tragic event has highlighted ongoing issues of domestic violence and femicide in Kenya. According to sources, Njeri had sought refuge at her sister's home after separating from her husband, Peter Lemaiyan, due to marital conflicts. On the night of the incident, Njeri had gone to use a latrine in her sister's compound when Lemaiyan allegedly attacked her. She was heard screaming for help before being found bleeding. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, Njeri died from her injuries while receiving treatment.
Njeri’s sister, Zipporah, recounted the harrowing moments leading up to the attack. She explained that they had returned home from work, and her sister had gone to buy vegetables before stepping out to relieve herself. It was then that the tragic incident unfolded, with Njeri screaming in agony after being attacked by Lemaiyan.
This incident is one among many recent cases of femicide in Kenya, where women have been killed by their partners. The surge in femicide cases since the beginning of 2024 has raised significant concern across the nation. In January alone, at least 14 women were killed by their intimate partners, prompting widespread calls for action.
Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga has voiced his concern over the rising femicide rates, urging the government’s security agencies to take appropriate measures. Odinga emphasized that such murders cannot be justified and that they constitute a national emergency.
Data from Amnesty International reveals that over 500 femicide cases have been reported in Kenya since 2017, underscoring the severity of the issue and the urgent need for effective intervention to protect women from domestic violence.
Source: https://www.tuko.co.ke/kenya/counties/554302-narok-man-kills-estranged-wife-machete-following-sisters-home/