Baringo man chops off wife’s hand after quarrel

A woman is currently nursing injuries at Baringo County Referral Hospital-Kabarnet after her husband allegedly chopped off her right hand.

Veronica Jepkoech, 24, a mother of two from Emom in Baringo Central Sub-county is said to have picked a quarrel with her husband Laban Kipchumba.

Kipchumba is suspected to have picked a machete and slashed Jepkoech’s hand before he attempted to chop off his own neck.

Kabarnet OCS James Kihoro said he sustained injuries but is recuperating in the hospital.

A witness said the couple were arguing over a child who was earlier taken to go and live with their grandmother but Jepkoech brought her back home.

A quarrel ensued and her husband allegedly chopped her hand.

The two are currently receiving treatment under tight security at Kabarnet hospital.

Kihoro said the man will be arrested and arraigned to face assault and attempted murder charges.

County Referral Medical Superintendant Garishom Abakalwa said the two were out of danger.

“Our doctors successfully treated and dressed Jepkoech’s hand although she lost her arm from the wrist,” he said.

Abakalwa further noted there were rising cases of Gender Based Violence (GBV) being reported at the facility. He called upon families to embrace better ways of solving disputes than engaging in physical fights.

Jepkoech appealed to well-wishers to assist her to raise funds to settle medical bills. 

“I am yet to believe I have lost my hand, so I can no longer cook, farm or wash my clothes,” Jepkoech said.