The ongoing case involving Nakuru pastor Elias Mutugi Njeru and his estranged wife, Florence Wanjiku, has taken a new turn following the emergence of CCTV footage.
The video, which shows an altercation between the two outside an apartment building, has stirred intense discussions among Kenyans online.
Pastor Njeru is accused of violently attacking Wanjiku on the night of November 21, 2024 with the alleged assault left Wanjiku with multiple stab wounds and the loss of several fingers.
While Wanjiku recounted from her hospital bed that the attack was unprovoked and stemmed from a prior domestic dispute, Njeru’s legal team has promised full cooperation with authorities as investigations continue.
The footage, however, has stirred mixed reactions, with some Kenyans raising questions about the events leading up to the altercation and others pointing out potential gaps in the narrative.
The debate has divided online users, with opinions ranging from calls for justice to outright defense of the accus
Solomon Kiplagat observed, “He went after her with a machete from his car. Watch carefully frame by frame.”
Linus The CX Guru questioned, “A lot is missing from that CCTV. What happened between 11:35 pm and 11:36 pm at Florence’s car? Why did Elias open his car boot, and what did he throw inside?”
KwaMog alleged, “He came back to his car with blood-stained clothes! Where did that come from if he is so clean?”
Others took issue with Florence’s behaviour in the footage:
Edu claimed, “CCTV has saved this man. Let’s ignore the fact she is hugging the watchman romantically. She clearly initiated the dangerous attack.”
Oriku David wrote, “Now we can see the other side. Listening to her only at the hospital bed was not enough. Imagine your wife hugging and showing intimacy to the watchman.”
Meanwhile, some commentators were skeptical about both sides of the story:
Joe argued, “There is nothing like personal defense when outrightly: 1) You’re not in danger, and 2) You stabbed the lady more than 10 times. It could have been easier for the man to drive off.”
Gran Cabral reflected, “Women are expert psychological manipulators. Men are animalistic in nature and will react aggressively when they discover they are being manipulated.”
A little Backstory
Elias was arrested after surrendering at Menengai Police Station. Accompanied by his lawyer, Njeru turned himself in on Monday morning, following allegations that he stabbed his estranged partner, Florence Wanjiku Gichohi, 18 times and left her with severe injuries.
Njeru had reportedly been on the run since Thursday, when the incident occurred.
The alleged attack took place after Njeru requested a meeting with Wanjiku to discuss business matters related to a company they previously ran together.
The two met at a Nakuru hotel, but Wanjiku claimed the discussion escalated into violence. She alleged that Njeru followed her to her home, where he attacked her with a knife, leaving her with multiple stab wounds to the head, back, hands, and other parts of her body.
Wanjiku, who is now receiving treatment at Optimum Hospital in Nakuru City, stated that the attack also resulted in the loss of several fingers.
Before their separation, the couple had been partners in a lands and property business and shared two children.
by GEOFFREY MBUTHIA