Kirinyaga couple arrested for living with decomposing body hoping it will resurrect

Mwea East police cruiser at a past crime scene. [File, Standard]

A couple in Kirinyaga County is in police custody after they were arrested following the discovery of a decomposing body at their home in Mutithi village, Mwea West.

James Muchira, 45, and his wife Stella Wanjiru, 44, were arrested after their kin raised the alarm over the disappearance of their patriarch, 67-year-old Tabitha Wakathate.

Muchira and Wanjiru allegedly moved an ailing Wakathate from a hospital where she was receiving treatment into their home where she reportedly died.

Wakathate’s death was discovered on Monday after month-long efforts by Muchira’s brother Evans Mwaniki to access the home to check on the 67-year-old.

In a twist, Mwaniki claimed the couple was living with Wakathate’s body in the belief that she will resurrect.

Mwaniki said the two declined to allow anyone into the home saying a ‘spirit’ had guaranteed their mother’s resurrection.

“The body of our mum has been held illegally by our brother and his wife - praying for her for a month," said Mwaniki.

Setting the record straight, however, Muchira claimed that they took Wakathate home for prayers and when she died, they were assured of her resurrection by an 'angel'.

"Mum is scheduled to resurrect today (Tuesday) after her three files were signed and a sign was sent to me by the angel,” said Muchira.

Confirming the arrest, Mwea West Sub-county police commander Wilson Koskei said the two were detained at Kiamaciri police station awaiting arraignment on Wednesday, July 6, 2022.

Tabitha Wakathate's body was taken to Kerugoya mortuary awaiting postmortem.