Man suspected of raping, killing his grandma after drinking spree in Kirinyaga

Johnson Muriithi
By Johnson Muriithi December 15, 2025 11:13 (EAT)
Man suspected of raping, killing his grandma after drinking spree in Kirinyaga
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Residents of Kegwa village in Kirinyaga County are in disbelief after a 72-year-old woman was allegedly raped and murdered by her grandson.

The body of Margaret Wanduma Maina was found in Njukiini forest, 500 metres away from the main road, on Sunday afternoon. 

According to witness Charles Kabuga, he raised an alarm after he discovered the lifeless body of a woman with a man’s belt near it.

“We live near this forest. As I was chasing away the monkeys, I found the body, which I could not identify before raising an alarm and informing the authorities,” Kabuga said.

Another witness, Kimotho Munyi, said her identity card and an ATM were discovered on the scene when detectives visited. 

“She always visits the local shopping centre when she wants to have a beer,” Kimotho said.

It is alleged that James Njiru alias 'Matheri ' and his grandmother were having beer together at Muthigini shopping centre on Saturday night before a boda boda picked them.

The Boda boda operator is said to have abandoned the two after they failed to pay him the amount they had agreed. He told them to get off his motorcycle after paying only Ksh. 100. 

After the suspect was arrested, he confessed to killing his grandmother.

“My grandmother is the one who forced me to have sex with her,” he told the residents as he was being whisked away to a police vehicle. 

Confirming the murder incident, Kirinyaga-East sub-county police commander Johnson Wachira said Njiru and one of his relatives had been arrested and are being held at Kianyaga police station.

The body of Wanduma has been taken to the mortuary awaiting postmortem.


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