Waiguru reiterated to her followers that violence should never be considered an option, even a last resort, regardless of the disagreement.
Kirinyaga Governor, Anne Waiguru is now calling for the arrest of pastor Elias Njeru of Jesus Crusaders Ministry Church who is accused of stabbing his lover, Florence Wanjiku at their Kiamunyi home in Rongai Sub-County, Nakuru County on Thursday night, November 21.
On Friday, November 22, Waiguru reiterated to her followers that violence should never be considered an option, even a last resort, regardless of the disagreement.
“I wish to condemn the tragic incident in Nakuru, where a man attacked his wife over a domestic dispute. Whatever the disagreement, we should never resort to violence. Gender-based violence has no place in our society,” she stated on her social media accounts.
The former Council of Governors (CoG) chairperson called for the speedy apprehension of the pastor who critically injured Wanjku following a domestic dispute in the wake of increasing femicide cases.
Photo of Florence Wanjiku who was stabbed by her lover on November 21, 2024. /NJERI WA MIGWI
“I call on investigative authorities to apprehend the perpetrator and ensure justice is served. I also pray for Shiku’s healing & quick recovery,” she added.
How Femicide Incident Unfolded
Usikimye co-founder Njeri Wa Migwi earlier uncovered details surrounding the femicide case which involved Wanjiku, a co-director for a land-selling company in Nakuru and a mother of two kids; 10 and 2 years.
Wanjiku and the pastor had a relationship that culminated in investing and opening a business together. They also had a child together, who is currently aged 2 years. As time went by, the co-director didn’t pay her dues and their relationship was rocked at this point, with Wanjiku severing ties with Njau.
Last year while on a trip to Nairobi from Nakuru, Wanjiku was accosted and arrested by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) under claims that she had stolen the company car she was driving. She was arrested and stayed in jail with her one-year-old baby for a weekend until Njeru agreed for her to be released.
“The relationship becomes strained with Flo trying to leave and not showing up in the office. Elias continually shows up without notice at her house and demands to see her or the baby,” narrated Wa Migwi.
“Yesterday night they agreed to sit down and agree on co-parenting and they parted ways amicably. No sooner had Flo arrived at her apartment gate, she was hit on the head and stabbed severally, while protecting her head, she was stabbed on her arm and some of her fingers chopped off.”
Wanjiku was saved by the watchman and she was rushed to hospital afterwards. Later, Njeru showed up in a shirt splattered with blood, demanding that he be led to Wanjiku, but the hospital had been made aware and refused to allow him to see her.
Unrelenting, the man of God showed up at her apartment, insisting on taking his child or he would kill the children.
“The neighbours chased him away. Meanwhile, her relatives were tried to report and three police stations insisted it was not their jurisdiction. The matter is now with Menengai West Police Station. Elias Njeru is still free and claiming he is well connected and nothing will happen to him,” added Wa Migwi.
Police have recorded her statement as investigations continue. She is currently hospitalized under tight security as her family fears further attacks.
Nakuru County Chief Officer for Gender, Gladys Kamuren, urged calm and patience as police pursued the suspect, calling for peaceful conflict resolution, emphasizing, “Now we have a woman fighting for her life and a fugitive on the run.”
Senior officials from JCM distanced the church from the incident, affirming their commitment to family values. Neither DCI nor the relevant authorities had issued a statement on Njeru’s arrest by the time of publishing this story.
This is another worrying case of femicide in the country with 2024 on course for a torrid year in terms of the vice rampaging relationships. Just 24 hours ago, President William Ruto condemned rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide following a meeting with women leaders at State House, Nairobi.
On Wednesday, November 20, the Head of State appealed to religious leaders- including the catholic bishops who have been in recent headlines over their criticism towards the President- to utilise their platforms to spread positivity about women in Kenya.
“We urge religious leaders to use their platforms to speak positively about women, women’s leadership, women’s engagement and help congregations understand that women’s rights are also human rights, creating a positive environment for women and our children,” he urged.
Notably, the issue of femicide was featured in a statement by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) on Thursday, November 14, in which the bishops had expressed appallment for the blatant recurring incidents of reported abductions, disappearances, torture and killings of Kenyans as well as decried the increasing murder of women, all of which caused great consternation, anger and disgust.
President William Ruto speaking during a press briefing at State House alongside women leaders on November 20, 2024. /PCS