In a recent legal development, Martin Karanja Kihiko, an engineer employed by the Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen), has been formally charged with assault and causing actual bodily harm, as outlined in Section 251 of the Penal Code. These charges stem from an alleged incident involving his wife, Benadate Waithira, and revolve around claims of domestic violence related to infidelity accusations.
The incident in question purportedly took place at their residence in Muthaiga North, Nairobi, on September 16, 2023. Mr. Kihiko was taken into custody by authorities at the Muthaiga Police Station, following his pursuit of Ms. Waithira.
According to reports, the complainant drove to the police station to seek refuge, as Mr. Kihiko had allegedly begun following her after she had left a hospital where she received medical attention for injuries sustained during the purported assault.
On the day in question, Ms. Waithira returned home after spending the night in a village in Kiambu. Upon her arrival, she discovered her husband had also returned home. Subsequently, it is alleged that an altercation ensued, during which Ms. Waithira sustained injuries to her mouth, neck, and chest. Mr. Kihiko is also accused of attempting to collide with her vehicle as she fled towards the hospital. However, she managed to escape and contacted the police for assistance.
During his court appearance at the Makadara Law Courts, Mr. Kihiko pleaded not guilty to the charges. He requested bail or bond under lenient terms, a request that was granted with a cash bail of Sh20,000. The case is scheduled for mention on November 19, with the formal hearing set for March 20, 2024, before Senior Principal Magistrate Hellen Okwany.
