Kenyan Woman Fatally Stabbed in UK; Husband Arrested

A Kenyan woman, identified as Linner, died following a stabbing in Reading on Sunday, 7 September 2025. 

Police have arrested her 29-year-old husband on suspicion of murder. Thames Valley Police responded to a call at a property on the A4 London Road near Regent Street at approximately 2:35 p.m. Upon arrival, officers found Linner deceased at the scene. The police have said that they are not seeking any other suspects and that the incident poses no threat to the wider public.

Preliminary investigations suggest tensions had risen between the couple in the days preceding the attack. Sources indicate that Linner had left their residence on Thursday, 3 September, after a domestic dispute, returning on Sunday with a friend to collect her belongings. A confrontation during this visit reportedly led to the fatal assault.

Neighbours, hearing screams, intervened shortly after the attack. The suspect allegedly fled the scene by jumping from a window and was apprehended near a river, where he was believed to be attempting self-harm. He is now in police custody. The Major Crime Unit is leading the murder investigation.

Detective Chief Inspector Stuart May said: “We are in the very early stages of this murder investigation, but we have made an arrest and are not currently looking for anyone else. Members of the public are likely to see an increased police presence while we continue to investigate.”

Linner, originally from Kericho County, Kenya, had recently begun working in the UK as a Social Care Worker after completing her studies. Before moving to the UK in late 2023, she worked as a teacher at St Catherine in Kesses. Her husband, who joined her in the UK as a dependent, was also employed in the care sector.

Colleagues and friends have expressed their grief, describing Linner as compassionate and dedicated to her children, who reside in Kenya. A WhatsApp group has been created as a space for mourning and support.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Thames Valley Police on 101, quoting reference number 43250458285, or to contact Crimestoppers anonymously.