A 48-year-old man who disappeared for 16 days has been found brutally murdered, with his body dumped in a rice canal at Mwathaini village, Kirinyaga County.
The deceased, George Githinji Njiru, vanished under mysterious circumstances on December 19, 2024, leaving his family in shock and distress. His mutilated body was discovered on January 4, floating in the water.
“Njiru was last seen in December before he disappeared,” said his nephew, Stanley Maina.
Desperate Search Ends in Tragedy
Njiru’s family launched a frantic search when he failed to return home on the day he disappeared. They scoured nearby villages and markets, only to later find his body bearing deep cuts.
“We suspect he was abducted and then brutally murdered,” Maina said.
The family is now calling for justice, urging authorities to uncover the truth behind the gruesome killing.
Community Demands Answer
Local residents believe the murder was premeditated and are appealing to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to thoroughly investigate the incident.
“We need to know who killed Njiru and their motive,” said Irungu Mwangi, a fellow villager.
Police revealed that Njiru appeared to have fought off his attackers, as his hands were severely injured, likely from trying to fend off blows from sharp weapons.
“His hands were nearly severed, indicating a struggle,” a detective at the scene said, speaking anonymously as they were not authorized to comment officially.
Final Hours Before Disappearance
Relatives said Njiru was last seen withdrawing money from an M-Pesa shop shortly before he disappeared.
“Our son never spent the night away from home. When he didn’t return, we knew something was wrong,” said Margaret Wambui, a relative.
Described as a hardworking and sociable man, Njiru’s family and neighbors remain baffled as to why he was targeted.
“Njiru was a casual laborer, admired for his energy and good relations with everyone in the village,” Wambui added.
Ongoing Investigation
Njiru’s body was taken to Kerugoya Referral Hospital mortuary for a postmortem examination.
Mwea East Sub-County police boss Mohammed Jarso assured the family that investigations would be conducted transparently and promised there would be no cover-up.
