Details have now emerged of what a shamba worker in Kamagunda, Gichugu, Kirinyaga County told his wife’s husband before he allegedly hacked the woman to death and dumped her body in a well.
A somber mood has engulfed Kamagunda following the death of 61-year-old Lydia Waititha.
Police say the suspect is believed to be the husband’s shamba boy, who was reportedly at the couple’s home before the incident.
According to the husband, the accused came to his home pleading for his phone and identity documents after failing to secure a job.
The man said he had fired the worker earlier following a disagreement, after which the worker allegedly asked to have the phone and ID returned.
The husband, James, told Citizen TV that he was left in shock after discovering the body of his wife inside the well on his property.
He explained that the couple had quarrelled with the shamba boy over money, and that they agreed the worker would repay what they said he owed.
As part of that understanding, the husband said they took the worker’s ID and phone.
James added that the shamba boy later returned demanding his items back, threatening that he would not accept the situation.
He said the worker insisted that if his phone and ID were not returned, he would rather be taken to a police station or cell—apparently believing it would force the couple’s hand.