'Shock as Man Attacks Woman in Lodging For Allegedly Infecting Him With HIV, Kills Her Grandchild

A disturbing incident in Tharaka South Sub-County has left residents in disbelief after a violent attack claimed the life of a young child and left a woman fighting for her life.

The attack, which was linked to allegations of HIV infection, occurred early in the morning inside local lodgings.

According to reports, the suspect, a 25-year-old man, confronted a 33-year-old barmaid whom he accused of infecting him with HIV.

Armed with a panga, he launched a brutal assault that left the woman with deep cuts across her body. She was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors admitted her in critical condition.

Tragically, her grandchild, aged one year and two months, was also attacked during the incident. The child sustained a fatal neck wound and was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.

Police officers responded to the scene and arrested the suspect immediately. A blood-stained panga believed to be the murder weapon was recovered hidden under a bed inside the lodging.

Officers established that the suspect had earlier been subjected to mob justice after members of the public learned of the incident. He sustained head injuries during the assault and was taken to hospital for treatment before being discharged into police custody.

Crime scene investigators processed the area as detectives began collecting evidence and recording witness statements.

Detectives are now working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the attack, including the claims made by the suspect and the events leading to the fatal assault.

Authorities have urged members of the public to avoid taking the law into their own hands and instead report disputes to the relevant authorities.