Nakuru charcoal vendor flees after killing his wife of three months

Residents of Hilltop Estate in Nakuru town assist police to carry the body of Sarah Kimutai who was killed by her husband. The suspect Joseph Kameru fled after the incident and police have launch a manhunt for him. PHOTO: KIPSANG JOSEPH/STANDARD

KENYA: Police in Nakuru have launched a manhunt for a 38-year-old man who fled after allegedly killing his wife on Saturday night.

According to their neighbours at Hilltop in London Estate, the man and his wife, 25, have been squabbling since they got married three months ago.

"He always accused his wife of cheating and we have been called several times to solve their issues," said Phoebe Wangui, a neighbour.

Wangui said after beating her on Saturday night, the man fled early Sunday morning on realising that she was dead.

"I noticed there was blood on the doorstep in the morning. When I asked him, he said that everything was okay and took off in his bicycle," said another neighbour.

Wangui said the suspect, a charcoal vendor, was seen in a local pub on Sunday morning before disappearing.

"He came to the pub and had a drink with us before leaving, claiming he was going to work. By then we had no idea that he had killed his wife," said another person.

Last month, the suspect reportedly burnt down a house belonging to his neighbour whom he suspected of having an affair with his wife.

Nakuru OCPD Joshua Omukata said the suspect is a notorious offender and has been convicted in the past.