Man surrenders in Brutal Attempted Murder of Girlfriend in Nakuru

Nakuru, 

Monday, 25 November, 2024 

McCreadie Andias 

In a shocking turn of events on November 25, 2024, Elias Mutugi Njeru, the prime suspect in the brutal attempted murder of Florence Wanjiku Gichohi, turned himself in at Nakuru Police Station. 

The 29-year-old suspect, who is both Gichohi’s boyfriend and business associate, was accompanied by his lawyer, Gakuhi Chege of Gakuhi Chege & Associates Advocates. 

Njeru has been re-arrested by the police and placed in custody, where he is awaiting transfer to Menengai Police Station, where investigations into the crime are ongoing.

The case, which has drawn widespread public attention, stems from a gruesome attack that occurred on November 22, 2024, at a rental house in Olive, Nakuru. Florence Wanjiku Gichohi, the victim, was found by neighbors after suffering severe injuries, including multiple stab wounds and the amputation of several fingers. 

She was rushed to the hospital, where she remains in serious condition. The attack, according to preliminary investigations, was carried out by her partner, Elias Njeru Mutugi, following a domestic dispute.

The disturbing details of the assault were revealed through police reports filed at Kiamunyi Police Post in Nakuru. Gichohi, who also shares a business with Njeru at Indigenous Land Properties Limited, is believed to have been attacked with a machete, leaving her with life-threatening injuries. 

The brutal assault has raised alarms over the escalating cases of domestic violence and femicide in Kenya, particularly in situations where the perpetrator is someone close to the victim.

The National Police Service has labeled the case as "Pending Arrest of a Known Person," with Menengai Police Station leading the investigation. In the aftermath of the attack, police had initially issued a public appeal for Njeru’s arrest. 

Authorities confirmed that Njeru had been sought by law enforcement after the assault, with efforts being made to locate him. His voluntary surrender has now shifted the focus of the investigation toward gathering further evidence to support the charges of attempted murder.

In response to the developments, the National Police Service issued a statement urging the public to report any additional information that may aid in the case. "We appeal to any member of the public with information that may lead to the suspect’s arrest or the investigation of the incident to come forward to the nearest police station or police officer," the statement read.

This violent act has sparked outrage across Kenya, particularly among women’s rights groups, who have been vocal about the increasing number of femicide cases in the country. 

The attack on Gichohi is yet another grim reminder of the dangers faced by women, especially in domestic settings. 

Local and international activists have rallied to demand stronger laws to protect women from domestic violence and to ensure that perpetrators face justice. Many have taken to social media to condemn the attack, calling it a reflection of the broader issue of gender-based violence that continues to plague Kenya.

As the investigation into the attempted murder of Florence Wanjiku Gichohi progresses, questions remain about the state of domestic violence laws in Kenya and whether enough is being done to protect women from such horrors.

Advocacy groups have long called for more comprehensive efforts to address this crisis, including public education, stronger law enforcement, and better support systems for survivors.