Police in Murang’a County have launched investigations into the suspected murder of an 86-year-old woman whose body was found inside her home under circumstances suggesting she may have been sexually assaulted.
The deceased, identified as Virginia Wanjiru Gitau, was found dead inside her semi-permanent house at Karima Village in Ndutumi Sub-Location, Kiria Location, Kahuro Sub-County.
According to police, officers responded to the scene after receiving a report from Kiria Location Chief David Irungu on Monday evening.
A preliminary examination revealed that the body had no visible external injuries. However, the deceased was found partially undressed, with blood-stained vaginal discharge, prompting investigators to suspect that she may have been sexually assaulted before her death.
Police said the woman lived with her five-year-old grandson, who reportedly told investigators that during the night he saw an unidentified adult man enter the house and proceed to the bedroom they shared. The child further reported hearing the deceased scream.
When the woman failed to wake up the following morning, the child alerted a neighbour, who notified the local administration.
As investigations got underway, members of the public apprehended Moses Muguro, 38, on suspicion that he may have been connected to the incident. Police rescued him from an angry mob and took him into custody at Kahuro Police Station, where he is being held as investigations continue.
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) processed and documented the scene before the body was moved to Muriranjas Sub-County Hospital Mortuary for preservation and a post-mortem examination.
Police said investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death. No one has been charged, and the man in custody remains a suspect pending the outcome of the investigations.
