Police officers have launched a manhunt for a person of interest in the stabbing of a woman identified as Florence Wanjiku in the Kiamunyi area of Nakuru.
In a statement on Saturday, November 23, 2024, police said that an attempted murder report had been made after Wanjiku was stabbed at a rental home she shared with her boyfriend.
“Yesterday, 22/11/2024, a report of attempted murder against one Florence Wanjiku Gichohi was made at Kiamunyi Police Post in Nakuru after she found several stab wounds and severed hands. Preliminary investigations establish that the victim was attacked by her boyfriend, who is also her business associate. The incident happened at their rental house in Olive following domestic wrangles,” the police statement read.
Police disclosed that Wanjiku is recovering from severe injuries at a Nakuru hospital and appealed to the public for assistance in apprehending her boyfriend.
“She is currently admitted to a hospital in serious condition. This matter is pending the arrest of a known person, with OCS Menengai dealing. Meanwhile, we call upon the said suspect to present himself at the nearest police station or police officer. We are also appealing to any member of the public with information that may lead to his arrest to inform the nearest police station,” police added.
Wamuchomba calls for action
The manhunt comes just hours after Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba called on the police to act swiftly and bring the perpetrator of the incident to book.
In her statement on November 22, 2024, Wamuchomba said that Wanjiku was attacked by a person known to her.
“I condemn in the strongest term possible the brutal attack and injuries against Shiku by the man she has lived with all along in Nakuru Kenya. The inhuman attack only shows the extent to which perpetrators can go in rage against Defenseless women. Shiku is part of a long list of women under attack,” Wamuchomba said.
16 days of activism
This comes just days after President William Ruto met women leaders over the increasing cases of attacks that have led to the deaths of women in the country.
During the meeting, Ruto ordered that the gender desks in police stations be replicated in hospitals to ensure victims receive immediate attention and care.
He urged Kenyans to join the campaign against gender-based violence set to commence on Monday, November 25, 2024, and run for 16 days.
“I urge every Kenyan to join in this movement to speak out, educate, and stand united against cases of femicide,” Ruto said.