Calls for justice as Juja murder victim buried

The casket bearing the remains of the late Catherine Nyokabi  [Mose Sammy, Standard]

Catherine Nyokabi, the 23-year-old woman allegedly killed by her lover in Juja, Kiambu County, was yesterday buried as the family called for justice.

A somber mood engulfed her home at Gatei in Kieni East, Nyeri County as mourners paid their last respects.

Speakers at the funeral called for justice for their kin, allegedly killed by Evans Karani who is in police custody.

Jastus Wambugu, the family spokesperson, asked the State to ensure justice prevailed for their daughter.

Wambugu said the dream of a young woman who worked in the hotel industry had been cut short.

“I don’t have much to tell you but wish you a happy life with the angels.

"May you live every day in our life even though we will not see you again,” said Wambugu, adding that the family was yet to come to terms with Nyokabi's death.

Area Assistant Chief Agnes Wakanja advised those in relationships to give dialogue a chance.

“It doesn’t have to get to that level of taking someone's life when relationships come to an end. There is always an option of walking away instead of it ending tragically,” he said.

Nyokabi's father, Peter Gitonga, said his daughter was caring, loving, jovial, and respected everyone.

Karani, the only suspect in the murder, was arrested on April 16. According to police, he had attempted to dump  Nyokabi’s body, but his vehicle got stuck in the mud.

Detectives said that Karani then fled the scene and left Nyokabi's body in the car. 

A Kiambu court on Monday allowed detectives to hold him for two weeks as they complete investigations.