An elderly woman was found brutally murdered and her body dumped in a thicket in the Kombani area of Kwale County. The 78-year-old victim, identified as Mejumaa Chibaya, had been reported missing by her relatives earlier in the day, prompting a search that ended in tragedy. Her body was discovered with visible injuries, including bruises on her neck, trauma to her left eye, and blood oozing from her ears. Authorities have moved her body to the local mortuary as investigations into the incident continue.
This disturbing case adds to a worrying trend of violence targeting elderly women in the region, with community leaders and human rights advocates calling for stronger protective measures and public awareness to curb the killings.
In a separate incident in Nyamusi, Nyamira County, another elderly woman, 62-year-old Truphena Makana, was found murdered in her home. The victim had recently acquired land and settled in the area. Her absence from her usual business routines raised alarm among fellow traders, who decided to check on her. They found her gate locked from the outside, broke into the compound, and discovered her body lying in the kitchen. She had sustained deep cuts to the head and throat, and one of her hands had been severed. Investigators suspect a land dispute may have led to the attack, and a manhunt is underway for those responsible.
In Meru County, three separate murder cases were reported, further intensifying concerns about rising homicides across the country. The first case occurred in Kariene village, where 42-year-old Jane Kanyiri was attacked at her home by unidentified assailants. She suffered fatal cuts to her face and abdomen. Her daughter, who attempted to help during the attack, was also assaulted and sustained serious head injuries. She is currently receiving treatment in hospital.
Another case in the Igembe area involved 58-year-old Joyce Mongeli, whose body was found inside her house in a pool of blood. She had sustained deep cuts to her leg, and a bloodied panga was found nearby. The suspected attacker, who had been hiding in the ceiling, managed to flee the scene. Authorities have launched a search for the suspect, although the motive behind the killing remains unknown.
In the Mutuati area, the body of a 17-year-old boy was discovered by the roadside. Blood was reportedly oozing from his mouth and nose, indicating signs of foul play. The circumstances and motive behind his death are also unclear at this point.
All the bodies have been moved to mortuaries for autopsies as investigations continue into the wave of killings, which have shocked local communities and intensified calls for justice.
