A chilling tragedy has struck Ugunja, Siaya County, after police confirmed that a 40-year-old man allegedly murdered his pregnant wife and three-year-old son before attempting to take his own life. The shocking incident, which unfolded on Tuesday night in Mbambra village, Madungu sub-location, has left residents in deep shock and raised fresh concerns about domestic violence in Kenyan households.
HOW THE UGUNJA TRAGEDY UNFOLDED
According to local administrator Stephen Ndoj, the suspect was discovered in his living room early Wednesday morning, weak but still conscious, with a bottle of pesticide next to him. Police believe he ingested the poison after allegedly attacking his family.
Investigations reveal that the woman died instantly after being struck on the back of the head with a blunt object. The couple’s three-year-old son also sustained severe head injuries. Though the child was rushed to Sigomre Hospital, doctors pronounced him dead shortly after arrival.
WHAT THE SUSPECT’S FATHER SAW
The suspect’s father told investigators that he heard commotion coming from the house at night but dismissed it as a minor disagreement. However, upon checking the house the following morning, he stumbled upon the lifeless bodies and immediately alerted local authorities.
POLICE AND DCI INVESTIGATIONS
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) documented the scene and transferred the bodies to Ambira Sub-County Hospital mortuary for a postmortem examination. Authorities believe the killings may have been triggered by a domestic dispute, though further investigations are underway.
The suspect is currently admitted to hospital under police guard. Once he is discharged, he is expected to face multiple murder charges.
RISING CASES OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN KENYA
This case adds to a growing list of domestic violence-related murders reported across Kenya in recent years. Experts argue that unresolved conflicts, economic hardship, and lack of access to family counseling services have fueled such tragedies. Community leaders in Siaya have called for greater investment in mental health support, domestic violence prevention programs, and early conflict resolution mechanisms to prevent similar incidents.
