Joshua Munjuri, the businessman sought by police over the incident. [Courtesy]

A local trader who fled after stabbing several residents and killing one is being sought by the police.

According to officers, one person died after he was stabbed, while five others sustained injuries during the Monday evening incident at Muriri market in Tigania East sub-county.

The shopkeeper allegedly went berserk and drove his car into a crowd before going on a stabbing spree. Tigania East Police Commander Peter Karanja said a shoe shiner died on the spot; the five others who were injured were rushed to hospital.

Mr Karanja said the suspect is still at large and the police had extended their search to neighbouring Isiolo County, following a lead that the trader fled on a boda boda along Muriri-Isiolo road.

Denied claims

The police have denied claims that seven people were killed during the incident.

“We do not know why the businessman decided to run over women who trade along the road and also stab innocent people. We are still pursuing him and we appeal to the public to share any information that can lead to his arrest,” Karanja said.

Among those injured, four were treated at Muthara Level Four Hospital before being discharged. One victim was referred to Meru Level Five Hospital. She sustained a compound fracture on her foot.

The police indicated the suspect was last Friday charged at Tigania law courts with slashing and killing camels before being released on bail.