Grief and fear have gripped Kanginga Village in Kyeni South Ward, Embu County, following the discovery of the body of a young woman in River Thuci on Tuesday morning.
The deceased, 35-year-old Catherine Muthoni, had been reported missing since October 12 when she left home to search for pasture for her cow along the riverbanks, approximately one kilometre away. The mother of a 13-year-old boy never returned, prompting her family to report her disappearance to the police, who subsequently launched a search.
Her body was finally discovered a month later, stashed in a rock crevice inside the river. According to witnesses, the body was found half naked with a piece of cloth tied around her neck, a detail that has left villagers shaken and fearful.
Area Chief John Kareko said the condition and positioning of the body suggest that the woman may have been raped and strangled before her assailants submerged her in the river. He described the killing as gruesome and called for thorough investigations to establish what happened and who was responsible.
Kareko also urged residents who frequent the bushy river area to avoid going alone, noting that the location could be a potential hideout for criminals. He appealed for heightened vigilance to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Villagers, still in shock over the discovery, called on detectives to expedite investigations and ensure those behind the killing are brought to justice. They noted that this was the first time such a violent incident had occurred in the area, heightening their worry and insecurity.
by Samuel Waititu
