Martin Kamau Arrested for Allegedly Pouring Acid on Family
Martin Kamau, 34, allegedly attacked his estranged wife Phylis Wambui, 30, and their two sons, Terence Waweru, 4, and Talan Kamau, 6, with acid on Friday night at their home in Kiganjo Estate, Thika. The incident occurred after a domestic disagreement between the couple.
Kamau and his eldest son, Talan, died on Friday evening shortly after the incident, while the younger child, Terence Waweru, succumbed to injuries a few hours later while being transferred to Kenyatta National Hospital for specialised treatment. Wambui, who had been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit at Gatundu Level 5 Hospital, died on Saturday while receiving treatment.
The family had been living separately for several months due to a long-standing domestic dispute between Kamau and Wambui. According to Susan Mwangi, a cousin of the deceased, Kamau had called Wambui to the house on Friday evening to prepare food for the children. Wambui came to cook for the children and later, the two started quarreling. The children had been sent to the shop, but when they returned, they found the house locked and their parents arguing inside.
When the children knocked on the door, requesting to be let in, Kamau allegedly poured a suspected acid substance on them. The boys reportedly ran outside screaming in pain, alerting neighbours who rushed to the scene and found the family suffering from severe chemical burns. Neighbours described the scene as horrifying, with the children screaming in pain.
A visit to the house on Saturday showed no visible signs of fire, further raising suspicions that a corrosive substance was used in the attack.
Thika West Sub-County Police Commander John Kimanthi confirmed the incident, saying investigators had recovered a container with insecticide and another suspected corrosive liquid from the scene, which may assist in ongoing investigations.
The community has condemned Kamau's actions, calling for families in conflict to seek peaceful solutions. Residents say families have differences, but there's no need to pour acid and wipe out an entire family. Mohamed Aden, a Thika resident, urged couples to seek counselling whenever they have disagreements.
Daniel Kamendi, another resident, described Wambui as a hardworking businesswoman in Thika Town known for her food vending business. He said it's sad that a family dispute can lead to the death of an entire family. When it becomes difficult to live together, it's better to separate and co-parent peacefully.
The bodies have been moved to General Kago Funeral Home in Thika pending post-mortem examinations.