A 33-year-old man has been arrested after his three-year-old son was found dead at Kari-ini village in Gatundu South, Kiambu County, in an incident that police are investigating as a suspected homicide.

According to police, the suspect, identified as Gabriel Gachuhi, allegedly inflicted fatal injuries on the child before attempting to take his own life. He survived and is receiving treatment at Gatundu Hospital under police guard.

Police said preliminary investigations indicate that the incident occurred after a domestic dispute at the family’s home. Investigators allege that the child’s mother had left the house following the disagreement, leaving the suspect with the child.

In a statement confirming the incident, police said the child sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene, while the suspect was taken to hospital after allegedly injuring himself.

Officers who responded to the scene documented and collected exhibits that will form part of the investigation. The child’s body was moved to the mortuary, where a post-mortem examination is expected to establish the precise cause of death.

Detectives are also recording witness statements and conducting forensic examinations to reconstruct the events leading to the child’s death. Police have not disclosed a motive and say investigations are ongoing.

The suspect has not yet appeared in court because he remains admitted to hospital. Police said he is expected to be processed for arraignment once medical officers declare him fit to do so.

The findings of the investigation will be forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), which will determine the charges, if any, to be preferred against the suspect.