Homicide detectives to probe death of Ruth Matete’s husband

Gospel artist Ruth Matete (left) with her Nigerian husband John Apewajowe (right) during their ordination at Christ Nation Church based in Mountain Mall, along Thika road. [Edward Kiplimo, Standard]

Detectives from homicide unit based at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations have joined the probe into the death of the husband of gospel artiste Ruth Matete.

The officers will jointly work with Athi River colleagues to investigate the incident in which John Apewajoye, a Nigerian, succumbed to burns he sustained in their house at Wall Gardens Estate.

A postmortem on the body of Apewajoye was expected to be conducted Tuesday to establish the cause of death. Athi River police boss Cathrene Ringera said the move by the homicide detectives to join the probe was normal.

“They are our colleagues and it is meant to ensure no doubt left. After the autopsy we will know the way forward,” she said.

The Nigerian was a pastor and succumbed to his injuries on April 11. Matete was questioned by police soon after the death.

During her grilling by detectives on what led to her husband’s demise, Matete who is two months pregnant said she was devastated.

The gospel artiste and 2012 Tusker Project Fame star told police her husband succumbed to burn wounds he sustained after two weeks at their Wall Gardens Estate home in Athi River, Machakos County.

Police and officials from Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority visited the house where the incident happened after a gas cylinder exploded. The gas cylinder is among exhibits that were collected from the house.

Ms Matete told police her husband’s upper body was burnt after a failed attempt to light up their six-kilogram gas cylinder on March 30 at around 5pm.

According to the singer, the Nigerian was only wearing a pair of trousers when he took the cylinder from their kitchen to the balcony after he thought it was over refilled and wanted to release some gas.

She said the gas exploded immediately and engulfed him after he tried to light. He rushed from the balcony into the house to seek help.