A 66-year-old woman, Lydia Chepng’etich, has shared a distressing account of her six-hour ordeal at the hands of her grandson, who forcibly confined her while demanding money.
The day initially started well for Ms. Chepng’etich on March 13, a resident of Ngata in Rongai sub-county, Nakuru County. However, things took a drastic turn an hour after she had breakfast with her grandson, who had been living with her for three weeks.
Upon discovering her broken metal box, where she stored money, and a missing bag containing Sh2,000, Ms. Chepng’etich questioned her grandson. Despite his denial, he offered to assist in searching for the missing money in her bedroom.
However, the situation escalated when he turned aggressive. Despite agreeing to go to the bedroom, Ms. Chepng’etich found herself in a dangerous situation as her grandson began to strangle her, threatening her life if she disclosed the incident.
The horrifying incident unfolded as the grandson restrained her, chaining her feet, tying her hands from behind, and gagging her with a cloth. He menacingly placed a kitchen knife nearby, demanding more money for her release.
After realizing she had no additional funds, he played loud music, locked her in the room, and left. An hour later, he returned with three bananas, ordering her to eat them. Negotiating for her health, Ms. Chepng’etich managed to convince him to allow her to eat only one. Although he provided water, he denied her access to the toilet, fearing she might seek help.
Despite the traumatic experience, Ms. Chepng’etich finally freed herself around 4 pm, calling for help from her window. Fortunately, her neighbor’s children, returning from school, heard her cries and alerted their parents, who rescued her.
The neighbor, Ms. Gladys Mokaya, described the shocking scene and the subsequent police involvement. Rongai sub-county police commander Wilberforce Sicharani reported that the grandson was apprehended by neighbors upon his return home. The crowd, intent on lynching him, subjected him to a severe beating. The police intervened, taking him to Nakuru Level Five hospital for treatment.
The motive behind the grandson’s actions remains unclear, and the police intend to investigate further. The young man, currently undergoing treatment, will face legal consequences once he recovers.
