A tragic and violent incident has rocked Nakuru, leaving a community in shock and mourning. Elijah Matoke, a 45-year-old man, died on December 11 after being doused with acid inside his own home. The attack has not only claimed his life but also highlighted the dark side of domestic disputes that can turn fatal.
Sombre Mood at Matoke’s Home
The mood at Elijah Matoke’s home was somber as neighbours and family members struggled to come to terms with his untimely death. The incident occurred in the morning hours, and according to Lilian Magomere, a neighbor, she heard repeated cries for help coming from Matoke’s house. “In the morning, I was sleeping in my house, and my door and theirs are next to each other. I heard someone shouting ‘wooi mnisaidie’ several times. I knew something was wrong,” Magomere recounted. She immediately ran to the scene, only to find Matoke sitting in his house, visibly covered in acid burns.
Matoke’s neighbors and family members were left baffled as to how the attack happened. “I opened the curtains and saw him sitting in a pink substance. I asked the children what had happened to their father, but they said they didn’t know who had thrown acid at him,” Magomere said. This sentiment was echoed by other community members who stated that the couple had been having disputes for a long time, which had escalated to violence.
A Troubled Relationship
According to Bernard Angwenyi, Matoke’s brother, the couple’s relationship had been marred by domestic disputes for years. “Their relationship was not one of affection but rather tension and quarrels,” he explained. “I have had to mediate several times, and it wasn’t about money. It was about control and ego. Matoke was often unable to meet his wife’s demands, which led to arguments.” Angwenyi’s words painted a picture of a strained union that had been on the verge of collapse for some time.
Matoke and his wife had been together for three years, and their neighbors noted that the problems escalated when financial strains began to impact their home life. Clarice Matoke, the victim’s daughter, said that on the fateful morning, her uncle called to inquire if she had spoken to her father. “I was in Kericho when my uncle called and asked if I had spoken to my dad. He told me to rush home because things were not looking good,” she recalled. Clarice’s message highlighted the urgency and fear that had gripped the family before they even knew the full extent of the tragedy.
Police Investigation Underway
The investigation into Matoke’s death is being led by Anderson Njagi, the Nakuru West OCPD. In an interview, he confirmed the arrest of Matoke’s wife and their son, who are currently in police custody helping with the investigation. “We have already arrested the wife and the son, and they are in custody helping us with the investigation. Once we are done, we will charge them with murder,” Njagi stated. The police are piecing together the circumstances surrounding the attack and the events that led to Matoke’s death.
The tragic incident has also drawn attention to the broader issue of domestic violence and the need for more support systems to protect victims. Organizations and activists in Nakuru have been vocal about the need for better intervention measures and awareness campaigns to prevent such violence from reaching deadly levels. The case of Elijah Matoke is a tragic reminder of how unchecked anger and disputes within homes can lead to fatal consequences.
Community’s Response
The community’s response has been one of deep sadness and concern. Many have come together to offer support to the Matoke family, recognizing the signs of domestic abuse that had been overlooked. The narrative from neighbors and family members paints a picture of a man who was loved by many but was trapped in a toxic relationship. “We need to address the root causes of these conflicts,” said one community leader. “We need more resources for counseling and support for families in distress. This kind of tragedy is avoidable.”
Elijah Matoke’s death serves as a call to action for society to recognize the signs of domestic violence and to provide the necessary support to those affected. It also highlights the importance of intervention by authorities and communities to prevent such tragic outcomes. The investigation into his death is ongoing, and as more details emerge, the hope is that lessons will be learned to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Conclusion
Elijah Matoke’s death has left a community grappling with loss and anger over a life ended too soon by violence. The arrest of his wife and son marks the beginning of a legal process that will seek justice for Matoke and send a message that domestic violence will not be tolerated. As the investigation continues, the hope is that it will lead to greater awareness and intervention measures to protect individuals in abusive relationships and prevent further tragedies like this one.
