A pastor in Murang’a County has revealed that he narrowly escaped death after allegedly being attacked by the same man accused of killing a three-year-old male neighbour in Kigumo.
Pastor Kanyoro Nduati said Joseph Kimani chased him with a machete after accusing him of interfering in a dispute involving his neighbours over an unpaid debt.The pastor said Kimani caught up with him and cut him several times before he managed to escape.
“The atracker chased me and cut me several times. Had I not run faster than him, he would have killed me on the spot,” the pastor said.
He added that he never reported the attack because he feared retaliation.
The pastor spoke after Kimani allegedly lured three-year-old Ian Ndung’u into his house in Mumbu village on Monday.
According to police, family members rushed to the house after hearing screams and forced the door open, where they found the child beheaded and with serious injuries.
Kigumo Sub County Police Commander Hassan Bashir said the suspect fled but was chased by angry residents to the neighbouring Kandani village, where he was beaten to death.
Police condemned the mob justice, warning that anyone linked to the lynching could face prosecution.
Bashir described the killing of the child as a horrific crime that had left investigators searching for answers.
Residents also raised fears of a possible ritual motive after a pot of boiling water was reportedly found inside the suspect’s house, although police have not confirmed the motive.
Pastor Nduati urged authorities to intensify the fight against drug abuse and illicit alcohol, saying substance abuse had contributed to mental health problems in the community.
He said stronger intervention could help prevent similar tragedies.
The bodies of the child and the suspect were taken to Murang’a Level Five Hospital mortuary as investigations continue.