He Came to Kill Me: Business Woman Recalls 18-Stab Attack by Entranged Lover

Florence Wanjiku, a 33-year-old entrepreneur from Nakuru County, is fighting for survival at Optimum Current Hospital following a savage assault by her former partner, Elias Njeru Mutugi.

The attack, which inflicted 18 stab wounds and threatened the function of her hands, has sent shockwaves through the local community. The violence erupted following what appeared to be a cordial business meeting at a hotel in Milimani estate, where Wanjiku and Mutugi had convened to discuss dissolving their joint real estate venture. Upon departing around 10 p.m., Wanjiku discovered Mutugi had followed her to her residence in the Olive Inn area of Kiamunyi.

A minor collision occurred as she attempted to retreat, whereupon Mutugi forcibly removed her from her vehicle and launched a ferocious attack, targeting her head, hands, legs, and back with multiple stab wounds. Despite her desperate attempts to shield herself, Wanjiku endured relentless violence before seeking refuge in a nearby vacant property. Security personnel and neighbours ultimately intervened, rushing her to medical care in critical condition.

“I drove to my house in Olive Inn area, Kiamunyi. When I got to the gate, I realised that Mutugi was behind me in his car. I tried to turn back, but I hit his car. He angrily got out and grabbed my car keys through the car window, which I had rolled down,” she narrates.

Gender Principal Secretary Anne Wang'ombe visited the victim and denounced the attack as wild, noting its proximity to President William Ruto's recent public condemnation of gender-based violence and femicide. Rift Valley Regional police commander Jasper Ombati has announced the formation of a specialized unit to apprehend Mutugi, emphasizing that those harbouring him would face criminal charges as accomplices.

“I was unable to move further, because of the injuries on my leg. Mutugi caught up with me. He moved on to the second leg. The stabs tore through my flesh. He aimed the weapon at my stomach, but I turned around. Unfortunately, I sustained a deep wound on my back,” she recalls.

According to Wanjiku, the attack stemmed from Mutugi's failure to accept the ending of both their romantic relationship and business partnership. She had previously observed concerning behavioural patterns and experienced abuse, prompting her departure from their shared residence. The final meeting included discussions about repaying funds she had lent him, a matter known by her friends.

“I also wanted him to give back the money I had loaned him. My friends were aware of this request, which is an old matter. These are some of the reasons he attacked me.” she says.