Shock as Kenyan man kills wife and sets his seven-year-old son on fire

Police in Koibatek are investigating an incident in which a man killed his wife and set his son ablaze.

According to the police and residents of Moringwo village, Mosses Keitany hit his wife several times on the head with a metallic object, killing her instantly.

Witnesses said after Keitany killed his wife during the Sunday incident, he took their seven-year-old son and entered the family house, where he locked him up and sprayed kerosene on him, before setting him ablaze.

The man and the child were, however, rescued by neighbours, who heard the commotion.

Confirming the incident, Eldama Ravine Police Station deputy OCPD Jonathan Wafula said the man and his son were rescued and rushed to the Rift Valley Provincial General Hospital.

“He also locked up his wife’s sister and the house help before starting the fire. The commotion and screams emanating from the house attracted the neighbours, who rescued the victims,” he said.

Wafula said the child suffered 70 per cent burns on his body and is hospitalised alongside the suspect at the Rift Valley Provincial General Hospital in Nakuru.

“The suspect will face various counts including murder, arson and attempted murder. He will definitely be arraigned in court after he recuperates and doctors declare him fit to stand trial,” he said.

BRUTALITY CLAIMS

A resident, Francis Koiluk, said the woman, who operates business stalls in Eldama Ravine town, had on various occasions accused her husband of brutality. He added the couple had at some point even separated.

“The killing has not come as a surprise to the residents but it is unfortunate that we had to lose her at such a tender age in an issue that should have been handled without use of force,” said Koiluk.

The woman’s body was moved to Eldama Ravine County Hospital mortuary as police launched investigations.

“We desperately tried to put out the fire after awaking to the victims’ screams, but the fire had already started to spread and had engulfed a section of the house,” he added.