NAKURU, Kenya – A quiet Monday afternoon turned grim in Manyani, Nakuru Town East, after residents woke up to news of a deeply disturbing family tragedy.
Denis Michael Nthenge, a local resident of Buruburu Estate, is believed to have killed his 4-year-old son before taking his own life later that evening. The boy was a PP1 pupil, just starting his school journey.
Authorities say Nthenge picked up the child from school around 4 p.m. What followed was a series of devastating choices that have left a community in mourning.
Nakuru Town East Police Commander Samson Adanje confirmed the deaths and said investigations point to poisoning and hanging.
“It appears the man forced the child to consume poison,” Adanje said in a statement. “He then took his own life by hanging himself in the same house.”
Neighbours were stunned by the incident. Many described Nthenge as quiet, but troubled in recent weeks.
“We knew there were issues at home,” said one resident, who asked not to be named. “But no one thought it would come to this.”
Local sources suggest that Nthenge had been involved in a long-standing dispute with his wife. She had reportedly moved to her parents’ home in Machanga days before the tragedy.
A note was found at the scene, in which Nthenge accused his wife of infidelity. Police have yet to confirm the full contents, but say it will form part of the ongoing investigation.
While the motive appears personal, questions linger over how such a horrific act could unfold unnoticed.
The bodies were taken to Nakuru County Mortuary for post-mortem examinations.
Counsellors and clergy from the area have since called for increased mental health support and mediation services in families.
“This is not just a crime story,” said Reverend Joseph Mwaura, who leads a local church. “It’s a warning. We need to talk more, listen more, and offer help before anger becomes tragedy.”
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