Detectives have arrested a key suspect believed to be behind the chilling murders of two young women in Thika, Kiambu County, following a coordinated police operation led by the Homicide Directorate in Nairobi.
Samuel King’ara Kimani, the suspected serial killer, was apprehended on April 14, 2025, in the Dry area of Ngomongo, after forensic evidence and investigative leads linked him to both brutal killings. The arrest comes after weeks of distress and unanswered questions following the murders of Rosemary Njeri Ndekei and Hellen Wambui Ndung’u.
The tragic series of events began on March 17, 2025, when 22-year-old Rosemary vanished shortly after leaving home for a shopping trip to Thika town. Her disappearance prompted immediate concern from her family and boyfriend, who filed a missing person report at Thika Police Station.
The next day, the decomposing body of a young woman was found by members of the public in a coffee plantation in Karibaribi. The body, lacking identification, was taken to General Kago Mortuary. On March 19, Rosemary’s family positively identified the body, confirming her identity and delivering a devastating blow to loved ones.
An autopsy revealed she had been strangled and suffered blunt force trauma to the head, clear signs of a violent and deliberate homicide.
Less than two weeks later, on March 31, 20-year-old Hellen Wambui Ndung’u, a student at Gituamba Vocational Training College, went missing after being sent by her mother to a local shopping centre.
Her body was discovered the following day in a bush, partially covered with soil. Neighbours identified her, though the body bore no visible injuries, suggesting a similar method of attack.
The Homicide Directorate launched a joint investigation with local officers in Thika, determined to uncover the truth behind the murders. Utilizing forensic science and the Exchange Principle—a method where perpetrators leave traces behind—the team zeroed in on King’ara.
According to investigators, the suspect targeted his victims along isolated paths, dragging them into nearby coffee plantations where he allegedly sexually assaulted them before killing them and fleeing without leaving an immediate trace.
Following his arrest, King’ara was arraigned in court on April 16, where detectives were granted additional time to finalize investigations. Authorities say the arrest marks a significant step in tackling the rising number of violent crimes targeting women in the region.
In response to the surge in murder cases, the homicide department has reportedly been allocated additional resources, including a dedicated office to enhance investigative efforts and address the worrying trend.
Police have reassured the public of their continued commitment to ensuring justice for victims and restoring safety across the region as investigations into other potentially linked cases continue.
