After announcing her Nigerian husband’s death from injuries sustained in a gas explosion at their home, Ruth Matete, Kenyan gospel singer, has been questioned by authorities.
The Gospel artiste and 2012 Tusker Project Fame star recorded a statement with detectives concerning the death of her husband, John Apewajoye on Thursday April 16, as reported by Daily Nation.
Apewajoye died on April 11, two weeks after sustaining burn wounds from a gas explosion at their home in Machakos County.
An investigation was initiated by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) following accusations made by Jesse McJessy, a friend and manager of the deceased, who alleged Matete’s involvement in her husband’s death.
In a viral video, McJessy accused Matete of being psychotic and claimed she had previously stabbed her husband multiple times during their fights.
“BelovedJohn’s marriage was never rosy. Ruth Matete you can tell the whole world the truth. You were very violent, you have stabbed him not once, not twice, not thrice.
“The last time you tried to kill Belovedjohn, I was there in Athi River in Greatwall Gardens. You guys had a fight and you almost killed him.”
McJessy also revealed that Matete did not inform BelovedJohn’s family in Nigeria about the explosion and provided inaccurate information about her husband’s condition in the hospital.
Ms Matete was summoned by DCI officers following the public’s reaction to the video.
Ruth Matete, who is two months pregnant, led a team to her house to collect samples, including the gas cylinder involved in the explosion, accompanied by detectives, forensic officers, Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority officials, and her family lawyer, Mr. Robert Odanga.
Matete recounted the incident, stating that her husband, thinking the gas cylinder was overfull, attempted to release some gas, resulting in the explosion and causing severe burns to his upper body.
“Immediately after, he tried to light the gas and that is when it exploded. I ran into the bedroom to get a duvet to cover him and put out the flames while screaming for help, which attracted the attention of our neighbours.”
Her husband was initially taken to Shallom Hospital, and then referred to Bellevue South Hospital, followed by Kenyatta National Hospital, where he eventually passed away.
Concerns were raised about the treatment he received at Bellevue South Hospital and Kenyatta National Hospital, prompting Ruth Matete to file complaints against them.
Mr. BelovedJohn’s post-mortem will be conducted upon approval from the Nigerian Embassy, while six witnesses, including first responders, have already provided their statements to the DCI.