Man who went hiding after setting wife on fire arrested

Kenyan police officers have arrested a 50-year-old man who disappeared after burning his wife following a domestic row.

Robert Tonui has been on the run for more than a week after committing the heinous act on his wife Emmy Chepkoech Mitey.

She died of the injuries she sustained during the incident that occurred in Seanin, Bomet County.

On Monday, Konoin Sub- County Police Commander Alex Shinkondi confirmed the arrest of the suspect saying the man was traced to his hideout in Kericho on Monday night.

Shikondi said detectives acting on a tip-off raided the hideout at the outskirts of Kericho town and arrested him before booking him at Kericho Central Police Station.

“A relative of the suspect volunteered the information on his whereabouts and our detectives managed to get him at night while he was sleeping,” said the police boss.

The police commander said the suspect will be charged with murder before Bomet High Court on Wednesday.

The October 3, 2020, incident at Seanin Village in Konoin has caused outcry and shock with relatives of the deceased demanding justice for their daughter.

The suspect is said to have followed his wife to his parents’ home where he committed the crime.

Susan Mitey, a sister to the deceased said the suspect stormed their home at around 9; 00 pm.

Mitey said her sister was sitting by the fireplace after taking supper when Tonui doused petrol and setting her ablaze.

Shikondi said the suspect is expected to record a statement today ahead of tomorrow where he is expected in court.