Identity Of Man Who Stabbed Ex-Lover At Machakos Supermarket In CCTV Footage

The two had reportedly separated for reasons not known in the immediate term, with the Saturday attack viewed as Mwangi's act of revenge.

Marvin Chege Marvin Chege
Jul 31, 2023 - 14:18 Updated: Jul 31, 2023 - 14:18
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Identity Of Man Who Stabbed Ex-Lover At Machakos Supermarket In CCTV Footage
A screengrab of a man stabbing his alleged ex-girlfriend at a supermarket in Machakos on July 22, 2023. /TWITTER.BENJ

A young man who stabbed a woman in her chest at a local supermarket in Machakos County before attempting to escape on Saturday, July 22 has been arraigned in court.

Patrick Mwangi appeared before the Machakos Law Court on Monday, July 31, having been accused of stabbing Eunice Syokau to death in Mwala, Machakos County.

Mwangi, who was reportedly in a relationship with Syokau, had lured her to the supermarket under the guise of a shopping trip while really, the motive was to kill her.

Patrick Mwangi, who was captured stabbing a woman on July 22, 2023, in a local supermarket in Machakos County. /CITIZEN DIGITAL

The two had reportedly separated for reasons not known in the immediate term, with the Saturday attack viewed as Mwangi's act of revenge.

In the footage, Mwangi could be seen conversing with Syokau as she put the shopping basket down, the two being on an isolated aisle in the supermarket.

Mwangi was cunningly concealing a knife, meticulously removing and returning it to his pocket to avoid detection from other shoppers and supermarket staff.

The attack itself happened in a flash and in a cold-blooded fashion as he stabbed Syokau's chest, gravely injuring her and leaving her to fight for her life.

After committing the heinous act, Mwangi tried to escape the scene, leaving behind a trail of chaos but was cornered at the supermarket entrance, where he was captured by the CCTV cameras in a helpless state, a contrast to the attempted murderous act he had committed earlier.

Tragically, despite immediate efforts to rush the woman to the hospital, she succumbed to her injuries.

On the other hand, Mwangi was said to have attempted suicide by taking a substance that will now be taken to a government chemist for further analysis. 

He was taken to Masii Level 3 Hospital and later to Machakos Level 5 Hospital, where he was treated and discharged. He was then taken back to Masii police station, pending his arraignment in court.

Appearing before the court on Monday, Principal Magistrate Charles Ondieki ordered a mental assessment to be conducted on the suspect. The case will be mentioned on September 4, 2023, for plea-taking.

The incident added to cases of crimes involving passion in the country which have been on the rise across the country, many of which have been attributed to mental health issues.

Counsellors, medics, and psychologists advise that you can always reach out for help when experiencing any mental health issues. Call Kenya Red Cross toll-free hotline, 1199, for support.

A screengrab of a man stabbing his alleged ex-girlfriend at a supermarket in Machakos on July 22, 2023. /TWITTER.BENJ

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