This archive report was first published on 13 July 2021.
On July 13, 2021, a tragic incident shook the community in Kibwezi, Makueni County, when a 25-year-old man, Bedan Kinyumu, stabbed his wife, Caroline Mwende, 23, to death using a kitchen knife.
According to the police report, the couple had been experiencing domestic disputes, with the main issue being the custody of their two children. The area assistant chief, Joshua Kitavi Musyoka, revealed that the couple had been quarreling over who should take care of their children.
"The deceased lured his wife to meet him for reconciliation, and in the process, he attacked her while armed with a sharp object, stabbing her several times on her body, inflicting her with serious injuries," the police report stated.
After stabbing his wife, Bedan Kinyumu stabbed himself twice on the chest and ingested poison, leading to his death. His wife, Caroline Mwende, was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to her injuries while receiving treatment at Makueni level 4 Referral Hospital.
The incident has left the community in shock, with the area chief advising couples to seek marital counseling and prayers from their parents and religious leaders when faced with marital disputes.
Makueni county Police commander, Joseph Ole Napeiyan, confirmed that the bodies have been taken to Makindu and Makueni referral hospital mortuary for autopsy as further inquiries continue.
