By Andrew Mbuva.
An atmosphere of grief engulfed Kathiani, Machakos County, on Saturday as family, friends and residents gathered to bid farewell to 28-year-old Grace Mungai, her two young daughters, Joyce Mutheu, 8, and Sarah Mungai, 4, in a heartbreaking burial ceremony that has captured national attention.
Grace, who was heavily pregnant at the time of her death, was buried alongside her unborn child, bringing the number of family members being laid to rest to four.
The killings shocked the nation after a neighbour's dog reportedly returned home carrying what was believed to be one of four-year-old Sarah's limbs, leading to the discovery of the family's gruesome murders in a nearby thicket.
Despite the emotional send-off, the family says they are yet to find closure as one of the victims' bodies has not been fully recovered. By the time of the burial, only two caskets had been brought to the family homestead, with relatives confirming that the search for the missing remains was still ongoing in the surrounding forest.
Family members expressed anguish over having to bury their loved ones without recovering all the remains, saying they hope the ongoing search will eventually provide the missing piece needed for complete closure.
The four are alleged to have been murdered by 23-year-old Amos Wambua, who is accused of killing Grace, her two daughters and her unborn child before dumping their bodies in a nearby thicket in Kathiani.
Following the killings, Wambua allegedly fled to Mashuru in Kajiado County, where detectives tracked him down and arrested him.
He was arraigned before the Machakos Law Courts on July 20, 2026, where the prosecution successfully applied for five days to complete investigations.
The suspect is expected to appear in court on Monday as investigations into one of the county's most horrific murder cases continue.
The tragic deaths have sparked widespread outrage and renewed calls for swift justice, with residents and leaders urging authorities to ensure those responsible are held fully accountable while continuing the search for the missing remains.
