Disturbing events unfolded in Kitengela, Kajiado County on the night of Sunday, May 5, 2024, as a man fatally stabbed his stepdaughter before taking his own life.
The tragic incident occurred when the 16-year-old girl went to the man’s residence to retrieve a phone. Shortly after her arrival, the 59-year-old man attacked her with a kitchen knife, inflicting several stab wounds. He then turned the weapon on himself, resulting in his own death.
Upon receiving a report from a concerned neighbor, police swiftly responded to the scene and found the bodies of both individuals in a pool of blood within the rented two-bedroom house. Among the items recovered were a letter penned by the assailant, two sharp knives, and a hammer.
Motivation Behind the Tragedy
The letter left behind by the man, identified as Chikophe Nyanje Chikokopha, accused his wife of infidelity. According to his wife, Eveline Kerubo, the couple had separated months earlier due to ongoing conflict, with both parties being arrested multiple times for various criminal offenses.
Kerubo speculated that the man may have targeted her daughter as a form of retribution for her decision to leave the marriage. Despite their separation, Kerubo noted that her daughter maintained regular visits to her estranged husband’s residence, adding confusion to the motive behind the violent act.
Calls for Amicable Resolution
Isinya police commander Patrick Manyasi emphasized the importance of resolving domestic disputes peacefully. He urged parents to seek constructive ways to address conflicts within their households to prevent tragic outcomes like the one witnessed in Kitengela. Following the incident, authorities transported the bodies to Shalom Hospital Mortuary pending further investigation and postmortem examination.
