Residents of Kahiro village in Kirinyaga County are in shock following the brutal murder of 60-year-old Esther Wambui Muthike.
Her lifeless body was discovered dumped in a coffee plantation, a mere 500 meters away from her home.
According to local authorities, the incident occurred as Esther was returning home from Kaharo trading center.
Speaking to the media Karia Sub-location Assistant Chief Joseph Muriithi Githinji confirmed the incident saying, “I was informed by my two elders and came here immediately and saw the lifeless body of a Wambui whom I know well.”
The Assistant Chief further pointed out that the attackers seemed to have a singular motive – to end the woman’s life.
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Also, the Ksh 1500 she carried was left undisturbed in her pocket, indicating that robbery was not their primary objective.
“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 added.
Wambui’s lifeless body was spotted by residents collecting firewood, who quickly informed the victim’s family of the tragic discovery.
Nonetheless, the identity of the assailants is yet to be discovered.
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Residents of Kahiro say that this is the second incident within a short period, following the killing of a police officer in the same vicinity.
In response to the escalating insecurity, they called on the government to enforce regulations on alcohol sales and bar ownership in the area, connecting it to the prevalent security challenges within the region.
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“There was a young police officer killed at the scene, today, it is a woman. The things happening around Kirinyaga are not good and even as the government issues licenses to alcohol sellers and bar owners, they should consider these regulations”, a resident cited.
Further, the 60-year-old’s murder adds to the alarming trend of femicide cases reported in the country.
The rise in femicide incidents, where victims have lost their lives under unclear circumstances, has prompted Kenyans to organize demonstrations, seeking to bring attention to and address this pressing issue.
