Residents of Kiganjo Village in Thika woke up to the disturbing news that their neighbour, Martin Kamau, 34, had allegedly doused his wife, Phillis Wambui, and their two children, aged four and six, with acid during a domestic dispute on Friday night.
The horrific incident, which occurred at the family’s home in the Blue Oasis area of Kiganjo, left all four family members with severe injuries. They were rushed to various hospitals for treatment but later succumbed to their injuries.
The last surviving child died while undergoing treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital, bringing the death toll to four and wiping out the entire family.
Confirming the incident, Thika Sub-County Police Commander Lawrence Kimanthi said preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect used acid to attack his family following a domestic quarrel.
“The victims sustained severe injuries and were rushed to different hospitals for treatment. Unfortunately, all of them later succumbed to their injuries,” said Kimanthi.
The police commander said detectives have launched investigations to establish the circumstances that led to the tragedy and determine what transpired before the fatal attack.
The incident has left residents of Kiganjo Village in shock, with neighbours describing the family as quiet and expressing disbelief that a domestic dispute could end in such a devastating loss of life.
As news of the tragedy spread, residents gathered outside the family’s home, mourning the deaths and calling for greater intervention in domestic disputes before they escalate into violence.
The incident adds to growing concerns over cases of domestic violence in the country and has sparked renewed calls for counselling, mediation and mental health support for families facing conflict.
