Woman murdered, body dumped in coffee plantation

Residents of Kahiro village in Ndia, Kirinyaga county, took to the streets after a 60-year-old woman was found murdered and the body dumped in a coffee plantation 500 metres away from her homestead.

Karia sub-location assistant chief Joseph Githinji suspects that the late Esther Wambui Muthike, was on her way home from Kahiro trading centre when she was accosted by unknown assailants.

"I was informed by the village elders about the body of a woman, so far, we do not know the motive as she still had Sh1,500 in her pocket and cabbages she had bought were scattered all over the crime scene," he said.

The deceased's sister, Mary Wamwirua, said they were informed about her death by a neighbour, who had gone to collect firewood.

Residents led by Kirinyaga Central boda boda chairman Patrick Gatimu urged police to launch investigations and arrest the culprits.

"Last year, a police officer who hails from this village was murdered in the same manner, and we want action from the police," Gatimu said.

The body was removed to Kerugoya Hospital morgue awaiting post-mortem.

Kirinyaga West sub-county police commander Moses Koskei said they have launched investigations into the murder.

"We ask residents to volunteer information to aid the police in apprehending the people behind this murder," he said.

This comes in the wake of public outcry over increased cases of murder targeting women in the county.