Shock and grief have engulfed Gikumbo Village, Gichugu, Kirinyaga County. after a man killed his wife, then later committed suicide.
41-year-old Samuel Munene is said to have killed his 38-year-old wife Edith Muringo by cutting her using a kitchen knife and an axe before hanging himself.
The shocking scene was discovered by their two children who after preparing to go to school. The children went to their parents bedroom to alert them of their departure only to find their mother’s body laying cold on the bed and that of their father dangling from the roof.
Residents have raised the alarm over the rising number of people committing suicide or killing their loved ones. They are calling on the government to act swiftly, saying the incidents may be linked to mental health issues.
”Tumeamkia hali ya huzuni sana, jamaa amemuua mke wake na amemjeruhi vibaya. Hii ni kitu inajirudia kwa sababu mwaka jana kuna mtoto aliuliwa na akarushwa kwa mto na mwaka uliotangulia kuna mwanaume alijiua, hivyo ni kitu tunaona inajirudia. Hili atizo la kiakili linafa aliangaliwe sana, ” said one of the residents.
Another resident said the incident was worrying because the couple was well known in the village and seemed to get along well, with no known problems. They said they do not understand what could have led to the killing.
”Sisi hawa watu tunawajua hatujawahi kuona hata wakiwa na shida hivyo kitu kimetushangaza sana,” said another resident.
Police have launched investigations into the matter.
