Police in Nakuru are on the hunt for a Nairobi-based preacher, Pastor Elias Njau, accused of viciously attacking Florence Wanjiku, a woman he was reportedly romantically involved with. Njau allegedly stabbed Wanjiku multiple times before fleeing the scene.
The attack has sparked outrage, with women leaders strongly condemning the violence inflicted on Wanjiku and her children. This comes just days after President William Ruto pledged to intensify efforts to combat such atrocities against women.
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has joined the calls for justice, urging state investigators to swiftly and thoroughly probe the circumstances surrounding the brutal stabbing of the entrepreneur.
Businesswoman Florence Wanjiku (pictured) was attacked in Nakuru. Photo: Handout. Source: Faceboook
What Happened to Florence Wanjiku?
Florence Wanjiku was allegedly attacked by her lover, Pastor Elias Njau, from a Nairobi church, who reportedly armed himself with a machete during the assault.
After leaving Wanjiku critically injured, Njau allegedly attempted to harm her children, but quick intervention from neighbors saved them, according to Capital FM.
Wanjiku sustained severe injuries, including critical head wounds and the loss of several fingers. She is currently recuperating at a hospital in Nakuru. Besides their personal relationship, Wanjiku and Njau were co-investors in a real estate business in Nakuru.
The suspect fled the scene after the attack, prompting police in Rongai sub-county to launch a manhunt. Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru condemned the brutal act and urged authorities to apprehend Njau and ensure justice is served.
“I wish to condemn the tragic incident in Nakuru, where a man attacked his wife over a domestic dispute. Whatever the disagreement, we should never resort to violence. Gender-based violence has no place in our society. I call on investigative authorities to apprehend the perpetrator and ensure justice is served. I also pray for Shiko’s healing and quick recovery,” she posted on X.Â
I wish to condemn the tragic incident in Nakuru, where a man attacked his wife over a domestic dispute. Whatever the disagreement, we should never resort to violence. Gender-based violence has no place in our society. I call on investigative authorities to apprehend the…
— Anne Waiguru EGH, OGW (@AnneWaiguru) November 22, 2024
Leaders Call for Action as Violence Against Women Rises
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru’s condemnation of the attack on Florence Wanjiku was echoed by Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, who expressed concern over the increasing cases of violence against women.
Wamuchomba lamented that two women had fallen victim to such heinous acts in less than a week and called on the state to take decisive action to address the growing trend of gender-based violence.
“I condemn in the strongest term possible the brutal attack and injuries against Shiku by the man she has lived with all along in Nakuru, Kenya. The inhuman attack only shows the extent to which perpetrators can go in rage against Defenseless women. Shiku is part of a long list of women under attack. Last week, a 70-year-old woman was brutally attacked and left for dead in the wee hours of the morning as she delivered milk to the collection centre in Gakoe market in Githunguri. This calls for serious police response to such cases and bring the offenders to book,” she said.
I condemn in the strongest term possible the bruttal attack and injuries against Shiku by the man she has lived with all along in Nakuru Kenya. The inhuman attack only shows the extent to which perpetrators can go in rage against Defenseless women. Shiku is part of a long list… pic.twitter.com/giCvrAUSQo
— Hon.Gathoni Wamuchomba, HSC, MP (@hon_wamuchomba) November 22, 2024
President Ruto Launches Campaign to Combat Femicide
In response to the rising cases of extreme violence against women, President William Ruto recently declared a full-scale government campaign to tackle the issue. The announcement follows a disturbing string of femicide cases across the country, with some resulting in brutal murders.
Acknowledging the urgency of the matter, Ruto instructed law enforcement agencies to proactively intercept such incidents and pursue perpetrators with full force. In addition to intensified police action, the president outlined several measures aimed at addressing the crisis:
- Awareness Campaigns: Initiatives to educate women about potential dangers within social circles.
- Funding: Ruto pledged KSh 100,000 to support the awareness campaign.
- Religious Involvement: He called on religious institutions to use their platforms to condemn violence against women, promote respect for women’s rights, and assure them of their safety.
- Support Structures: The administration committed to establishing systems to respond to and support survivors of gender-based violence.
Ruto emphasized his government’s dedication to eradicating violence against women and ensuring