70-year-old father slashes his 42-year-old son to death

A 70-year-old man slashed his 42-year-old son to death after a quarrel in Ivari village, Embu East Sub County over family conflicts. 

Screams from Benjamin Njiru's homestead drew residents to the scene where they found the body  of Alexander Munene, Benjamin's son, lying in a pool of blood with deep cuts on the head and the neck.

The suspect is being held in custody at Runyenjes Police Station where he sought refuge after angry residents threatened to lynch him if they found him. 

According to the Assistant Chief Gikuuri sub location Patrick Muriithi Njiru, the family had continually recurring family conflicts that were often sorted out by elders and other family members.

“The son is farmer just like his father. They have been having issues which have not been big but usually solved after intervention by elders and other family members,” the assistant chief said.

Muriithi said that on the day of the incident, February 14, Munene had a quarrel with his 33-year-old wife Beatrice Mutitu at around 5 pm. His 70-year-old father intervened but Munene was unhappy with his fathers’ intervention, as they have had outstanding issues.

Alexander left the homestead after telling his father that he would be back shortly. 

The Assistant chief said that Alexander went back home at around 8pm after going on a drinking spree at Kawanjara Shopping Centre. He then went to confront his father who responded by slashing him twice with a panga on the head and the neck.

Muriithi urged the public to involve the elders, other members of the society or the local administration so that they sort out family issues amicably.

“There have been issues over land in the area and it could be the reason for the family conflicts but I don’t think it should end by people taking the law into their hands. Residents should let the law take its course,” the assistant chief added.