THIKA, Kenya- A family of four has died following a suspected acid attack linked to a domestic dispute in Kiganjo Estate, Thika, in a tragedy that has shocked residents and left an entire household wiped out.
The victims were identified as Kamau Kamoko, his wife Phyllis Wambui, and their two young sons, aged six and four.
According to police reports, the incident occurred on the night of Friday, June 5, at the family’s home in the Blue Oasis area of Kiganjo.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the couple, who had reportedly experienced long-standing domestic disagreements and were said to be living separately, became involved in a quarrel inside the house before the situation turned deadly.
Family members told local media that Wambui had allegedly been called to the house to prepare food for the children.
During the evening, an argument broke out between the two adults.
The children had been sent to a nearby shop and returned to find their parents quarrelling inside the house.
According to witness accounts, the suspect allegedly poured a corrosive substance believed to be acid on the family members, including the children.
Neighbours rushed to the scene after hearing screams and found the victims suffering from severe chemical burns.
Kamoko and the couple’s eldest son died shortly after the incident.
The younger child succumbed to injuries while being transferred to Kenyatta National Hospital, while Wambui later died while receiving treatment at Gatundu Level 5 Hospital.
Thika West Sub-County Police Commander John Kimanthi confirmed the incident and said investigators recovered containers believed to have contained insecticide and a corrosive substance from the scene.
The items have been taken for forensic examination as investigations continue.
Police are yet to release a final report on the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, but preliminary findings point to a domestic conflict that escalated into a fatal attack.
The deaths have sparked renewed concern over rising cases of domestic violence and the devastating impact such disputes can have on children and families.
Residents and community leaders have called for greater access to counselling, mental health support and conflict-resolution services to help prevent similar tragedies.
The bodies of the four family members were moved to General Kago Funeral Home in Thika pending post-mortem examinations.
