Police officers have launched an investigation into the death of a man in Nakuru who died after being attacked with acid at his home on Wednesday.
Witnesses report that the harrowing incident unfolded after a heated dispute with his wife, sparking cries for help that drew the attention of neighbors.
“Hiyo siku asubuhi, mimi nilikuwa nimelala kwangu, mlango wangu na wake ni next. Nikasikia nduru ‘wooi mnisaidie’ ya kwanza, ya pili, ya tatu nikajua kuna shida. Nikatoka nikaenda, kufika nikafungua curtains nikamuona anakaa pink. Nikauliza watoto ni nini imefanyikia baba yenu? Wakasema hatujui ni nani amemwagia acid," said Lilian Magomere, a neighbor who witnessed the aftermath.
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The couple, who had been married for three years, reportedly had a history of domestic disputes that often required intervention from those close to them.
"Hii mapenzi yao haijakuwa mapenzi ya pesa, nimekuwa nikisolve issues kwa hii nyumba several times, kuna wakati mwingine nimekuja huku, kama Matoke hana pesa, Matoke sio mwanaume wa nyumba,” commented Matoke's brother, Benard Angwenyi.
Clarice Matoke, the victim’s daughter, recounted how she received the devastating news. “Ilikuwa around 6:40 nikiwa kwangu Kericho nikapigiwa simu na uncle akaniuliza umeongea na daddy? Akasema hebu kimbia huko mambo sio mazuri," she said.
Elijah Matoke was rushed to the hospital, where he fought for his life for four days before succumbing to his injuries.
Local authorities have since arrested the victim’s wife and son, who are assisting with investigations. According to Nakuru West OCPD Anderson Njagi, “We have already arrested the wife and the son, and they are in custody helping us with the investigation and once we are done we will charge with murder."
