Chuka University staff arrested over death of a barber

A man holding a piece of wood. A worker at Chuka University is being held at Chuka Police Station in Tharaka-Nithi County over the death of a barber on Monday evening following a scuffle over Sh300. The barber is said to have been hit on the head with a piece of wood. FILE PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Chuka OCPD Barasa Sayia told journalists on Wednesday that police had launched investigations into the matter.
  • Witnesses said the suspect claimed that he gave the victim the Sh300 but he had refused to pay back the debt.
  • The suspect surrendered to the police station following the incident.

A worker at Chuka University is being held at Chuka Police Station in Tharaka-Nithi County over the death of a barber on Monday evening following a scuffle over Sh300.

According to a statement recorded at the station, Mr Francis Murithi Ikunda, a librarian at the institution, allegedly hit Mr Justin Mwiti with a piece of wood on the forehead on Sunday night at Ndagani market in Chuka Sub-County.

The victim was seriously injured and was rushed to the Chuka County Referral Hospital and later transferred to Embu Level Five Hospital for a specialised treatment but succumbed to his injuries around 7pm.

Chuka OCPD Barasa Sayia told journalists on Wednesday that police had launched investigations into the matter and that Mr Ikunda will be arraigned in court Thursday.

“The suspect surrendered himself at the police station and confessed to have fought the deceased and injured him with a piece of wood on the forehead,” said Mr Sayia.

According to eye witnesses who declined to be named, the incidence happened at around 12am when the two and others were coming from a joint where they had gone to watch the ongoing World Cup football matches.

They said the suspect claimed that he gave the victim the Sh300 but he had refused to pay back the debt.

“The two are good friends who move together especially in refreshment joints and we think their differences in the teams they supported could have contributed to the fight,” said one of the eye witnesses.