Growing concern over rising insecurity after brutal murder of 44-year-old man in Kirinyaga

Njogu’s body was discovered in rice fields in the Rurii area with severe neck injuries, a shocking incident that has sparked fear and outrage among locals.

Village elder Johnson Magondu said Njogu was last seen near a local motel. His cousin, Bernard Muriithi, had spoken to him earlier before his body was later found just a few metres from his rental house.

“We found his body a few metres from where he lived. I couldn’t believe it. Just last night, he wished me well as I was selling eggs at the trading centre,” said Muriithi, still in shock.

Residents say insecurity in the area has been escalating, with cases of livestock theft and daytime break-ins becoming increasingly common.

“They are even digging holes into our houses to steal when we are out farming or taking children to school. But killing innocent Gabriel Njogu is the worst,” said Mary Muthoni, a local resident.

Nyangati Location Chief Immaculate Wanjiru Njoka confirmed that Njogu sustained neck injuries and was discovered by a farmer who had gone to tend to his rice fields.

Police have launched investigations into the incident. The body was moved to Kibugi Mortuary, where a postmortem examination is expected to be conducted.