A Nyeri court yesterday rejected an appeal by a man to withdraw charges against his wife who allegedly stabbed him with a kitchen knife following a domestic quarrel.

28-year old Joseph Ndung’u had requested Chief Magistrate, Wendy Kagendo to forgive his wife, Caroline Makena who is charged with attempted murder after stabbing him on his chest on December 31, 2018, at their rented house within Nyeri Town.

“This is a serious offence and due to the increase of domestic violence cases in the region, the case cannot be withdrawn and shall continue,” said the Magistrate.

Ndung’u while testifying in the case had asked the court to forgive his wife since he had survived the attack and already healed. He, however, ruled out any possibility of a reunion.

While narrating the events of the fateful day, Ndung’u said they had an argument with his wife earlier in the evening where she was accusing him of engaging in extramarital affairs.

He said after a brief exchange, they settled the matter but things took a dramatic turn when he received a call at around midnight from his sister who was wishing him a happy new year.

On hearing the voice of a woman, Ndung’u said his wife thinking it was one of his ‘mistresses,’ picked a kitchen knife that was nearby and stabbed him and fled leaving him for the dead.

He said he had no recollection of what transpired later since hours later, he found himself lying on a hospital bed at the Nyeri Referral Hospital where he stayed for two weeks receiving treatment.

He said he was told by neighbour that the wife came back afterwards and called in other neighbours to assist her to rush him to the facility.

Dr. William Muriuki who treated the complainant said he had a serious stab that missed his heart by a whisker.

The suspect is in custody after failing to post a bond of Sh. 200,000 granted by the court.

Hearing is set to continue on June 14 where the investigations officer is expected to testify.

- KNA/Samuel Waititu and Ann Ngure