This archive report was first published on 28 August 2019.
On Wednesday, Maryanne Kitany, the estranged wife of Meru Senator Mithika Linturi, took the stand in court to recount a series of disturbing events.
According to Kitany, Linturi allegedly hired goons to break into her Runda home in the dead of night, claiming there were terrorists inside.
When police arrived, they found Kitany's children, a sick relative, and an uncle present, and later apologized for the confusion.
Kitany then moved to court seeking orders to bar Linturi from accessing the home, but Linturi reportedly returned with police, alleged goons, and 'kienyeji' dogs.
As the goons broke down the gate and door, Linturi allegedly gave instructions while police watched, forcing Kitany and her family to leave the house.
Kitany's son was slapped, and his phone was snatched during the commotion, while her belongings and the children's school books were removed from the house.
After the incident, nine pangas and nine machetes were recovered, and Kitany was forced to do fresh shopping for the children, only to send them back to school without their books.
Kitany also testified that she has received more threats to her life, including a confession from a lady who claimed to have been hired by Linturi.
The court decided to hear the alleged threats in camera, and Kitany still resides in the Runda house with the children.
Kitany also revealed that Linturi physically assaulted her once while they were in Meru.
