Kenyan police in Kisii have arrested a man who unsuccessfully tried to drown himself in river after he had strangled his wife dead.

Geoffrey Marita was retrieved from the river by night guards, though he had taken in considerable water.

He was arrested Monday morning following the incident that took place Sunday night.

Geoffrey and his deceased wife Dorcah Nyaboke tied the knot two years ago, but neighbours say they were constantly engaged in squabbles.

“The man came home drunk at around 10 pm. When the wife asked him where he was from, fighting ensued,” said a neighbour.

Police said preliminary investigations indicate Geoffrey strangled Dorcah to death. Vomit was found on the scene of crime.

It is said that Geoffrey laid his wife’s body on the bed and covered her in blankets after committing the crime

“After committing the crime, he ran to Kigati river with intent to commit suicide. But guards from a nearby company who were on patrol rescued him before he could drown,” said the Nyamage sub-location chief Sarah Isaboke. 

He was handed to police officers from Kisii police station on Monday morning.

Kisii county police Commander Martin Kibet told NairobiNews that the man was currently recording a statement with detectives.

“He however admits having killed his wife,” said Mr Kibet.

The body of the deceased was taken to Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital Mortuary for preservation awaiting postmorterm.