Residents of Kamucege Village in Mwea, Kirinyaga County were Tuesday left in shock after a man stabbed his friend to death for allegedly having an affair with his ex-wife.

Simon Gitari, 40, reportedly confronted 45-year-old Simon Muriithi in the house of his ex-wife, Josephine Wawira, 37, on Tuesday night. Ms Wawira said her former husband stormed her house and demanded to know why she allowed Mr Muriithi into her house that late in the night.

It is said that Gitari was incensed because the deceased and his ex-wife were apparently in a relationship.

During a heated confrontation, Gitari in a fit of rage reached for a kitchen knife stabbed Muriithi to death.

Wawira, who suffered injuries on her hands, screamed for help but by the time neighbours arrived, the attacker had fled the scene.

Confirming the incident, Mwea East Deputy County Commissioner, Edwin Chabari said a manhunt has been launched for Gitari.

Wawira said she and her former husband had been separated for seven years.

They have two children.