This archive report was first published on 13 January 2020.
On January 13, 2020, a devastating incident shook Kilala shopping centre in Kaiti, Makueni County. A 21-year-old man, identified as David Muia, brutally killed his two-year-old son before taking his own life.
According to neighbours, Muia and his wife were struggling to make ends meet, and their relationship was strained. Muia, who was a casual labourer, worked for the same employer as his wife.
Witnesses claim that Muia attacked his wife, especially when he was drunk. A neighbour, Ms Elizebeth Mueni, stated that Muia would often batter his wife, leaving her with nowhere to turn.
Ukia MCA Japheth Katumo linked the tragic incident to increased drug abuse in the region, blaming the county government for failing to implement the 2019/2020 finance bill, which aimed to raise licensing and tax on khat and alcoholic beverages.
