Manhunt launched for church official who stabbed partner 18 times

Police in Nakuru are searching for a church official accused of stabbing his partner multiple times in a brutal attack on Thursday.

Elias Njau is said to have attacked Florence Njeri near her home, leaving her for dead before fleeing the scene.

Njeri, who is now receiving treatment at a hospital in Nakuru, said the attack stemmed from both business and relationship issues.

"I told him it was time to call it quits, to let everything go. He also owed me money, and I was requesting that money," she told Citizen TV.

Njau allegedly could not accept the end of their relationship and launched a violent assault, stabbing Njeri 18 times and severing several of her fingers.

"On my right leg, he was stabbing me and then tearing it before he ran away," she added.

Njeri has since undergone the first of several surgeries. Despite her attacker still being at large, police remain confident he will soon be apprehended.

"Before long, the suspect will be in our custody. He can save us a lot of time if he turns himself in. We are telling him that he can run, but he can't hide," Jasper Ombati, the Rift Valley Regional Commander said.

Calls for justice

The attack has drawn condemnation from local leaders, with calls for swift justice for Njeri.

"We will stand with the family, and when the security agents are done with the investigation, we volunteer on pro bono to hold brief for her family," Gender Principal Secretary Anna Wangombe said.

Kirinyaga Governor Ann Waiguru also condemned the attack, stressing that violence is never an acceptable response to any disagreement.

"I wish to condemn the tragic incident in Nakuru, where a man attacked his wife over a domestic dispute. Whatever the disagreement, we should never resort to violence," Waiguru said.

"Gender-based violence has no place in our society. I call on investigative authorities to apprehend the perpetrator and ensure justice is served. I also pray for Shiku’s healing and quick recovery."

The assault follows a troubling pattern of gender-based violence across the country, with several similar incidents in recent months resulting in serious injury and death.

The government has pledged to tackle the growing crisis of gender-based violence, which in some cases has escalated to femicide.

President William Ruto has pledged Sh100 million to support the Safe Home, Safe Space Campaign, which aims to eliminate femicide across the country.

During a meeting with women leaders at State House, the president announced that the campaign would begin on November 25, 2024, with 16 days of activism focused on raising awareness about gender-based violence.

He emphasised the government’s determination to back policies designed to end this growing issue and ordered law enforcement agencies to take swift action in bringing offenders to justice.

Outlining the steps his government will take, Ruto also directed that gender-based desks in various institutions be strengthened to ensure prompt assistance for survivors.

"I have instructed the criminal justice system to act swiftly and hold perpetrators accountable. Gender desks in police stations will be strengthened, and we will also establish gender-based desks in hospitals to provide immediate support," he said.