Detectives in Kirinyaga County have arrested two key suspects in connection with the gruesome murder of a 72-year-old woman whose body was found dumped in a thicket, bringing a major breakthrough in a case that has shocked residents of the region.
The suspects were apprehended following an intense manhunt launched by Kirinyaga East detectives after the brutal killing of Margaret Wandauma Maina, a respected elderly resident of Kegua village in Kerugoya East Sub-County.
Body Found in Thicket After Tip-Off
According to police reports, Wandauma’s lifeless body was discovered on December 14, 2025, in a secluded thicket in Kegua village within Kirinyaga East. The discovery was made after a concerned member of the public alerted authorities upon spotting an unidentified female body lying motionless in the bushes.
Officers responded swiftly to the scene and made a chilling discovery. The elderly woman was found half-naked, with visible injuries to her forehead, raising fears that she may have been assaulted before being killed.
Disturbing Items Recovered at the Scene
At the crime scene, detectives recovered several personal items believed to belong to the deceased. These included a duplicate national identity card bearing her name, an Equity Bank ATM card, and an Itel mobile phone. The presence of these items helped police quickly establish the identity of the victim as Margaret Wandauma Maina, aged 72.
Her body was later removed from the scene and taken to Kibugi Funeral Home, where it is being preserved pending a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.
Last Seen Alive at a Local Bar
Preliminary investigations revealed that the deceased was last seen alive on December 13, 2025, at Muthigiini Shopping Centre, a busy trading hub within Kerugoya East. Witnesses told police that Wandauma had been at the Rome Bar, where she reportedly left at around 5:40 PM.
After leaving the establishment, she was never seen again, triggering concern among family members and neighbours when she failed to return home that evening. Her disappearance later turned tragic with the discovery of her body the following day.
Swift Manhunt Leads to Arrests
Following the grim discovery, detectives launched a rapid and coordinated manhunt for suspects believed to be behind the killing. Using forensic leads and intelligence gathered from the victim’s last known movements, investigators managed to trace and arrest two prime suspects.
The suspects have been identified as James Njiru Murimi, aged 42, and his alleged accomplice, Peter Mbogo Wanjerina, aged 35. Both men were arrested in connection with the murder and are currently being held in police custody as investigations continue.
Police believe the arrests mark a significant step toward unraveling the circumstances surrounding the brutal killing of the elderly woman.
Suspects Await Arraignment
Authorities have confirmed that the two suspects are undergoing processing as they await arraignment in court. Detectives are expected to seek more time to complete investigations, including forensic analysis, witness statements, and the post-mortem report.
The suspects are likely to face serious charges once investigations are concluded, as police pursue justice for the slain woman and her grieving family.
Community in Shock and Mourning
The murder has sent shockwaves through Kegua village and the wider Kirinyaga East area, with residents expressing fear and outrage over the killing of an elderly woman in such a brutal manner.
Local leaders and community members have called on authorities to ensure that justice is served swiftly, warning that crimes targeting elderly and vulnerable members of society must be dealt with firmly.
“This is a very painful incident. Our elderly deserve protection, not violence,” said one resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Police Appeal for Public Cooperation
As investigations continue, police have renewed their appeal to members of the public to share any information that could help strengthen the case. Authorities emphasized that community cooperation remains a critical pillar in fighting crime and ensuring accountability.
Members of the public can report information anonymously by calling the toll-free number 0800 722 203 or via WhatsApp on 0709 570 000.
Rising Concerns Over Violent Crime
The killing has reignited discussions around rising cases of violent crime in parts of the country, particularly against women and the elderly. Human rights activists and civil society groups have repeatedly called for enhanced security patrols, faster investigations, and tougher penalties for offenders.
As Kirinyaga East detectives work to finalize their probe, residents hope the arrest of the two suspects will bring closure to the family of Margaret Wandauma Maina and serve as a warning to criminals targeting innocent citizens.
Justice for Margaret Wandauma Maina
For now, the focus remains on the ongoing investigation and the upcoming court proceedings. As the suspects await their day in court, the community continues to mourn the loss of a 72-year-old woman whose life was cut short under tragic circumstances.
Police have assured the public that no effort will be spared in ensuring that justice is served and that those responsible for the gruesome murder are held fully accountable under the law.
