Police launch manhunt for pastor accused of stabbing wife and stepson to death
Police in Mwithwa village, Mitunguu ward, Meru County are on the hunt for a 37-year-old self-proclaimed pastor, Boniface Mutuma, who allegedly stabbed his 36-year-old wife, Verah Kanario, and her 5-year-old son to death.
The tragic incident took place at around 11am, and it is suspected that the pastor killed the little boy while his mother had gone out to clean the chemist where she works before opening.
Upon her return, she was shocked to see her son stabbed in the neck, and the husband then attacked her, cutting her neck.
Neighbours reported that the couple had moved in despite being warned by their parents from both sides a month ago after a long-standing dispute in their marriage.
According to one of the neighbours, Romano Kirimi, they had been given the notice to move out of the plot due to the husband’s alleged behaviour of blackmailing residents in the name of deliverance.
Assistance County Commissioner Mitunguu Division, Richard Korgoren, has stated that they are suspecting the man to be hiding in the nearest Tharaka Nithi County.
He added that as soon as they arrest him, he will face murder charges.
The bodies were taken to Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital awaiting post-mortem.
The incident has left the residents of Mwithwa village in shock and disbelief, with many calling for justice to be served for the slain mother and her son.
The police have appealed to the public to report any sightings of the suspect and have warned against harboring him.