Nairobi man charged with attacking wife after confrontation over late night call from another woman

A 37-year-old man has been arraigned in court after allegedly assaulting his wife during a late-night row sparked by a suspicious phone call.

Leonard Lubinga is accused of viciously attacking his spouse, Malweki Arlette Mbambu, on the night of July 5 at their rented home in Saika Estate, Njiru Sub-County, following an altercation that quickly spiralled out of control.

According to court documents, Lubinga returned home at around 11 pm. Shortly after settling in, his phone reportedly rang. Mbambu, who was in the same room, allegedly overheard a woman’s voice on the line asking if he had “arrived safely.”

The remark aroused her suspicion, prompting her to confront her husband.

The mother of five is said to have cautioned him against entertaining what she described as suggestive calls in her presence. She urged Lubinga to show respect to her and their children. The confrontation, however, escalated into a heated argument.

It is alleged that in a fit of rage, Lubinga grabbed his wife by the neck, strangled her and delivered several punches to her face. One blow landed on her left eye, causing her to lose consciousness.

As she collapsed to the floor, their children, terrified and crying, desperately tried to revive her. Lubinga, on the other hand, allegedly remained seated on the couch and did not attempt to assist.

When Mbambu regained consciousness, she reportedly instructed her son to seek help from neighbours.

The neighbours rushed in and compelled Lubinga to drive his injured wife to Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital. Doctors recommended that she undergo an X-ray to determine the extent of her injuries.

However, Mbambu was unable to access the service as she had not registered under the Social Health Authority (SHA). She was required to pay Sh8,000 for the procedure, but Lubinga allegedly refused to settle the bill.

With a swollen eye and suffering from severe headaches, she was discharged without receiving treatment and returned home.

Lubinga was later arrested and arraigned. He was released on a cash bail of Sh20,000, with the case set for hearing in March next year.