How father of my kids turned to a monster, Florence Wanjiku recounts after brutal attack

Imagine a partner you've known for years turning on you and leaving you for dead. That was the horrific reality for Florence Wanjiku Gichohi, a Nakuru businesswoman who was stabbed 18 times by her estranged lover, Elias Njeru, at her rented apartment in Kiamunyi on Thursday evening last week.

The brutal attack left her fighting for her life, with her fingers nearly severed and multiple stab wounds across her body.

Wanjiku, who is now undergoing treatment at Optimum Hospital in Nakuru, recalls the chilling details of the attack from her hospital bed.

She had agreed to meet Njeru, her former lover, a businessman and senior elder at a Nairobi-based church after he reached out to her the previous day.

The two had arranged to meet at 5 pm on Thursday at the Alps Hotel in Milimani to discuss business matters.

“We had been in a romantic relationship for years, and we even have two children together,” Wanjiku told Nation.

"A few weeks ago, I ended things with him. Our relationship had been increasingly troubled, especially over business disagreements.”

The couple had previously co-managed a lands and property company located in the heart of Nakuru City, but their relationship soured after Wanjiku demanded to end it and asked for the repayment of money owed to her by her former partner.

Wanjiku recounted the shocking moment when she saw his car approaching her home before their planned meeting.

“I had just stepped outside when I saw his vehicle. I accidentally hit it, and that seemed to anger him. He became furious and pulled me from my car before assaulting me," she said.

The attack escalated quickly. Wanjiku was stabbed multiple times, including in the head, back, and hands. Her left wrist was deeply cut, and her fingers were almost severed.

“I tried to protect myself, but he nearly chopped off all my fingers. I have three deep cuts and more than ten other injuries on my body,” she said.

Children threatened 

As the assault continued, their security guard attempted to intervene but was threatened by the attacker, who also threatened to kill Wanjiku’s children.

In response, the guard called for help, and a bodaboda rider arrived at the scene to assist. When the attacker saw a crowd gathering, he fled, but not before further threatening Wanjiku’s life.

Wanjiku was rushed to the hospital by Good Samaritans, but the nightmare didn’t end there.

“Hours later, a neighbour called to say my ex had returned to my house and was asking for the children. Thankfully, they had been taken into safe custody,” she said.

Her attacker, however, did not give up. He attempted to gain access to the hospital, claiming he wanted to see his wife and children.

“I think he wanted to finish what he started, but the security staff denied him entry,” Wanjiku recalled.

"He caused a disturbance at the hospital gate before fleeing once more.”

Wanjiku described the ongoing fear she faces.

Call for justice

"He’s been spotted around my house multiple times, and I’m afraid for my children. I need them to be protected. He should be arrested so that I can get justice," she said.

The incident, which is believed to be the culmination of months of tension in their relationship, has left Wanjiku fearful for her safety and her children’s well-being. She shared her concern about the long-term impact of her injuries.

"The doctor said my hands will be plastered for two months. I am the breadwinner, and I’m unsure who will take care of my children during that time,” she said.

Nakuru County Chief Officer for Gender and Social Services, Gladys Kamuren, condemned the attack, calling for swift action from the authorities.

“Gender-based violence is on the rise in Nakuru County. We want justice for Wanjiku. No situation justifies such a violent attack,” Kamuren said.

“I urge the police to ensure the safety of her family while Wanjiku is in the hospital.”

Rongai sub-County Police Commander Cecilia Kemboi confirmed that a manhunt had been launched for the suspect.

However, on Monday, the suspect Elias Mutugi Njeru, turned himself in to the police, accompanied by his lawyers from Gakuhi Chege and Associates Advocates.

Njeru was re-arrested and is now in custody at Nakuru Police Station. He will later be handed over to Menengai Police Station, which is handling the case.

The authorities are now working to ensure that justice is served and that Wanjiku and her family remain safe.