Indian Wife ‘arranged’ Valentine’s Day Murder of Businessman Husband

An Indian wife was arrested for allegedly orchestrating the Valentine’s Day murder of her businessman husband.

Velji Jayaben Jayeshikumar, the wife of Jayesh Kumar, was indicted at the Kibera Law Courts in Nairobi, Kenya.

She will remain in police custody for 14 days.

Jayaben was arrested on February 21, 2024, after a police investigation revealed she was in communication with one of the other four suspects.

It was reported that she was in touch with the suspect on Valentine’s Day, the day her husband was killed and his body doused in acid.

It is believed that the couple had domestic issues, leading Jayaben to seek the help of a friend to “discipline” her husband.

Magistrate Irene Kahuya said: “She is alleged to have been involved in the murder plot after phone analysis revealed that she was in contact with one of the four suspects who were arrested and arraigned at Kibera Law Courts on February 19.

“She is reported to have asked the suspect to help discipline and torture her husband as the two had disagreements.

“The other suspect agreed and recruited others to execute the plan.”

The investigation revealed she could have taken part in the murder plot.

Jayesh was killed and his body was doused in acid in Lukenya, Machakos County, on February 14, 2024.

However, the Indian wife was not charged after the prosecution requested 21 days to detain her as detectives continued with investigations.

Through her lawyer Ifran Kassam, Jayaben opposed the application.

Her lawyer asked the court to grant the prosecution only seven days to keep her in custody, arguing that she is not a flight risk and lives with her son and mother-in-law who depend on her.

The court ultimately granted the prosecution 14 days to keep her in police custody.

Jayaben was captured on CCTV on the day of the murder walking with her husband and son at around 7 am.

That same day, she allegedly made a call to her friend to take action against her husband.

The suspect is believed to have sent Jayaben three hours later, telling her that he and his accomplices had carried out her wishes.

However, she was disturbed when she found out her husband had been killed when the plan was just to beat and warn him.

Police are yet to conduct DNA tests on the remains recovered from the crime scene.

Police also want to confirm the immigration status of two suspects, who are Indian nationals, and ensure that all five suspects undergo mental examination before facing charges.