A woman who was fatally stabbed in Nairobi’s Kilimani area had allegedly endured months of harassment and threats from the suspect, her grieving family has claimed.
The victim, identified as Anne Keya, was reportedly attacked on Thursday evening, May 14, in a shocking incident that has reignited concerns over rising cases of gender-based violence in Kenya.
Family members said they only identified her body at the city mortuary two days after the incident, as fresh details emerged about what they described as a troubled and violent relationship.
According to Anne’s mother, the suspect — believed to be her estranged boyfriend — had allegedly subjected her daughter to repeated intimidation and violence dating back to the time the pair lived in Kirinyaga County.
“The relationship was full of threats and violence,” Anne’s mother claimed. “Anne was working in Kirinyaga when she met him, but at some point this man wanted to kill her in Kerugoya.”
A colleague of the deceased also alleged that Anne had repeatedly confided in friends and co-workers about the suspect’s behaviour, accusing him of harassment, financial exploitation and excessive drinking.
“She kept saying the suspect was harassing her and taking her money,” the colleague said. “Before she left the house, the suspect confronted her with a knife.”
The violence is said to have escalated dramatically at Anne’s place of work on the evening of the attack.
Witnesses claimed the suspect arrived armed with a knife before launching a brutal assault in full view of horrified bystanders.
“I saw the suspect holding a knife,” the colleague recalled. “I tried to pull Anne away to save her, but as I was pushing her, I suddenly heard a scream.”
According to witnesses, Anne had already sustained serious stab wounds and began bleeding heavily moments later.
Despite desperate attempts to help her, she collapsed and died at the scene shortly afterwards.
Disturbing CCTV footage reportedly captured the aftermath of the incident, showing the suspect calmly walking away as the victim struggled to stay on her feet before collapsing a few metres away.
Police later arrested the suspect, who is currently being held at Kilimani Police Station as detectives continue with investigations.
Authorities also confirmed that the suspected murder weapon had been recovered.
Anne’s family is now awaiting postmortem results expected on Monday, May 18, as they continue to demand justice for their daughter.
The tragic killing has once again sparked outrage online, with Kenyans calling for stronger action against domestic violence and protection for women facing abusive relationships.
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