Kirinyaga police probe killing of 65-year-old man linked to wife's disappearance

The deceased, identified as Mwangi Karua, was reportedly attacked by relatives of his wife, who has been missing for a week under unclear circumstances. Witnesses say Karua’s hands were tied with a rope before he was thrown into his house, which was then set on fire.

According to residents led by community member Cyrus Ndege, Karua and his wife had been living together on their South Ngariama farm since 2009. “We don’t know what happened because we have not seen his wife for a week now. They used to drink together, but I was told on Saturday he was forced by residents to report the matter at Itangi Police Station,” said Ndege.

Locals said the woman’s relatives, some from Kabare in Gichugu and others living in South Ngariama, stormed the homestead demanding to know the whereabouts of their missing daughter. “We were watching from a distance when they confronted him. They tied his hands, threw him inside his house, and set it on fire. It was unbelievable. I have never seen anything like it,” said a villager who requested anonymity.

Villagers noted that Karua hailed from Kariti in Ndia while Wanjiru was from Kabare in Gichugu. They lived together as husband and wife, though residents said they had never seen any children.

Confirming the incident, Mwea-East Sub-County Police Commander Stephen Okal said investigations are ongoing. “We are pursuing the suspects, who are well known to residents. We urge members of the public to come forward, help identify the attackers, and record statements so that we can arrest and prosecute them. We cannot allow such acts in society,” said Okal.

The police boss added that officers are also searching for the missing widow. “The deceased had already reported her disappearance at Itangi Police Station before he was killed,” Okal noted.