A man who had been on the run after assaulting his partner in Nakuru and leaving her for dead with severe stab wounds has surrendered to the police.
Elias Njeru, wanted for the attempted murder of Florence Wanjiku Gichohi, reported to Menengai Police Station in the company of his lawyer.
This was confirmed by police Monday morning on X.
“Today 25/11/2024 one Elias Mutugi Njeru male adult and a suspect in the attempted murder case of Florence Wanjiku Gichohi reported at Menengai Police Station, surrendered at Nakuru Police Station in the company of his lawyer Gakuhi Chege and Associates Advocates,” the National Police Service said.
Njeru a prominent Nakuru businessman and church leader in JCM Church, is in police custody awaiting further processing.
“He has been re-arrested by Police and placed in custody while appearing fit, pending collection by Menengai Police Station” NPS added.
He committed the offence on Thursday night following a disagreement at Wanjiku’s home in the Olive area of Nakuru City and fled the scene.
According to Wanjiku, a businesswoman who is now recovering at a Nakuru hospital with 18 stab wounds and severed fingers, Njeru attacked her due to both business and personal reasons.
The two, who were also business partners, had earlier met when Wanjiku informed him that she had decided to end their relationship because of abuse. She also requested the money he owed her.
Principal Secretary for Gender Anne Wang’ombe with Florence Wanjiku, at Optimum Hospital in Nakuru
They then parted ways, and the victim drove home, only to discover he was following her.
Upon stopping, Njau dragged her out of the car and started stabbing her in the head, hands, and legs.
“He came attacking me, I tried to drive off and run away. Unfortunately, I hit his car from behind. I locked the door, but the window was open. So he switched off the vehicle and took the keys. He proceeded to hit me on the head, using his hands to pull me outside. He then began stabbing me. I tried to protect myself with my hands. I lost my fingers,” She recounted her ordeal from her hospital bed.
The attack has been condemned by leaders including Gender Principal Secretary (PS) Anna Wangombe who visited the victim in the hospital.
This attack is the latest in a series of incidents following the government’s expressed concern over the rise in gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide cases.
President Willliam Ruto has committed Ksh100 million to an awareness campaign against gender violence.
“I urge every Kenyan to join this movement, to speak out, to educate and to stand united against femicide,” he said.
Ruto ordered that gender desks at police stations be enhanced, and similar facilities introduced in hospitals to ensure victims receive immediate attention and care.
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