The disturbing rise of spousal killings in Kenya.
On December 7, 2025, a domestic dispute involving a newlywed couple in Maai Mahiu, Naivasha, ended tragically when the bride allegedly stabbed her husband in the neck with a kitchen knife.
Trouble began around 9 pm when the 27-year-old trader returned home, sparking an argument that escalated into the fatal attack. He was pronounced dead on arrival at a nearby health centre, while the 23-year-old woman fled under the cover of darkness.
According to neighbours, the confrontation arose over an alleged love affair.
"The couple had only been married for a few months before this unfortunate incident," revealed Peter Kinuthia, a neighbour.
This is not an isolated incident. Three months earlier, on August 23, a 44-year-old man in Nairobi's Pipeline area murdered his 27-year-old wife and gouged out her eyes.
A househelp present during the shocking attack said the dispute erupted over a suspected affair. "The husband had just returned from work when the quarrel turned deadly. He killed his wife using an axe," the househelp explained. The couple had been married for nearly two years.
These cases are part of a worrying trend of fatal attacks against spouses, which have been increasing across the country. Authorities and citizens alike are raising questions about what drives such extreme acts of violence.
Why does love turn deadly?
Mary Muthoni, a psychologist, explains that when love turns sour, positive feelings can quickly shift into bitterness, often marked by betrayal, neglect, negativity and deep emotional pain. This shift can lead to conflict, loss of trust and in extreme cases, fatal violence.
"Fondness fades into bitterness through unspoken issues like unmet needs or poor communication, creating deep wounds that can fuel resentment, anger, and even hate," Ms Muthoni told the Nation in an interview.
She identified common warning signs of love turning sour.
The disturbing rise of spousal killings in Kenya.
She cited unspoken bitterness and neglect when emotional or practical needs aren’t met and communication breakdown, which occurs when difficult truths are avoided, leading to repeated conflicts.
She also cited a situation where positive feelings are replaced by negative emotions, often escalating into tragic outcomes.
Common triggers
Experts say the transition from marital bliss to fatal violence often involves underlying issues such as financial stress, relationship breakdowns, loss of control, and mental health struggles.
Infidelity and money-related stress are among the most common triggers.
Ms Muthoni noted that domestic homicides often follow a pattern of escalating abuse.
"Many perpetrators—predominantly men—are driven by perceived loss of control due to job loss, financial ruin, or impending separation. Murder may be a misguided response to shame or failure. Social isolation exacerbates the problem, and mental health issues such as depression or psychosis, often unaddressed, can play a role. Alcohol and substance abuse also increase the risk," she explained.
History of domestic abuse is the most common risk factor, often involving coercive control, physical violence nd threats that escalate over time.
Infidelity and money-related stress are among the most common triggers of violence.
In some murder-suicide cases, perpetrators may believe they are protecting the family from a perceived worse fate.
Intervention
Prof Tom Nyamache, a sociologist at Turkana University, underscores the importance of early intervention.
"Addressing domestic violence and mental health concerns early is critical. Allow yourself to process grief, anger and pain but seek support from friends, family, or a therapist. Protect yourself if a situation becomes toxic or abusive," he advised.
Bishop Josam Kariuki, chairman of the Nyandarua Interfaith Council, highlighted alcohol abuse, broken families, and infidelity as major factors.
"Most spousal murders arise from infidelity, which fuels conflicts that spiral into violence. Couples should seek help during conflicts; murder is never a solution," he said.
Some recent cases highlight this issue.
On September 25, 2025, a 24-year-old woman in Orata, Kitengela, stabbed her 38-year-old husband in the thigh during a domestic dispute.
The couple had attended church together earlier that day, but the quarrel escalated fatally.
Six days ago in Kyamukwa, Makueni County, a man killed his wife by stabbing before hanging himself. Police reported ongoing domestic disputes.
In August 2024, a woman in Kasarani, Nairobi, was arrested for allegedly killing her husband with a kitchen knife during a fight.
On January 22, 2025, a man in Huruma, Nairobi, was arrested carrying the mutilated body of his 19-year-old wife in a backpack.
A survey by Africa Data Hub found that between 2016 and 2023, two-thirds of women murdered were killed by intimate partners, though there are also instances where women were the perpetrators.
These tragic cases underscore the urgent need to address domestic violence and its root causes in Kenya.
