Authorities are in pursuit of a man suspected of brutally murdering his two children in the midst of marital conflicts before fleeing the village of Kiawambeu in Murang’a County.
The individual in question, identified as James Gitau, holds the occupation of a high school teacher and had reportedly separated from his wife six months prior due to domestic issues.
On a fateful Tuesday, Gitau purportedly took his two children, aged five and two, asserting his intention to spend the night with them. The older child was a student in Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE), while the younger one resided with their aunt.
According to accounts from residents, around 5 a.m., Gitau engaged in a communication lasting more than 10 minutes with his estranged wife through his mother’s mobile phone. Subsequently, he allegedly proceeded to his mother’s residence where they were asleep, awakened them, and transported them to his one-room dwelling.
A neighbor, Joseph Njuguna, recounted that Gitau’s mother, in a state of distress, sought assistance, expressing her apprehension that her son might pose a threat. Following her plea, they entered the residence, where the grandmother disclosed the horrifying act committed by her son. Accompanied by another neighbor, they promptly reported the incident to the assistant chief of the area.
Njuguna stated, “We returned with the assistant chief, the chief, and some police officers and opened Gitau’s door to find the bodies of the children on the bed, their heads severed.”
Realizing that the suspect had fled, the community initiated a search in nearby fields and rivers, suspecting he might have taken his own life. Concerns were raised about the potential dangers he might pose, leading residents to urge the police to apprehend him swiftly.
Assistant Chief Jason Hiuhu detailed the mother’s unsuccessful attempt to prevent Gitau from taking the children, indicating that she was overpowered. He explained, “At some point, she couldn’t find her mobile phone, and after searching for it, she went to his room and found him holding something with fear.” The subsequent discovery of the locked door and the lifeless bodies added to the shock.
Murang’a County Commander David Mathiu verified the initiation of an intensive manhunt for Gitau, emphasizing the suspicion that the act was driven by a revenge motive, resulting in harm to innocent children.
