James Njiru Murimi (42) and Peter Mbogo Wanjerina (35), who police say are the main suspects behind the killing of a 72-year-old woman whose body was discovered dumped in a thicket in Kegua village, Kerugoya East Sub-County on December 14, 2025. Photo by DCI 
By Our Reporter
Detectives in Kirinyaga East have arrested two prime suspects in connection with the brutal murder of a 72-year-old woman whose body was discovered dumped in a thicket in Kegua village, Kerugoya East Sub-County.
The victim, identified as Margaret Wandauma Maina, was found dead on December 14, 2025, following a tip-off from a concerned member of the public who reported seeing the body of an unidentified woman in the area.
Police officers who responded to the scene found Wandauma’s body lying half-naked with visible injuries to the forehead, indicating she may have been violently assaulted before her death. Among the items recovered at the scene were her duplicate national identity card, an Equity Bank ATM card, and an Itel mobile phone, which helped investigators establish her identity.
The body was subsequently moved to Kibugi Funeral Home, where it is being preserved pending a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the deceased was last seen alive on December 13, 2025, at Muthigiini Shopping Centre, where she had been drinking at Rome Bar. Witnesses told detectives she left the establishment at around 5:40 pm and never returned home.
Following the discovery, detectives launched an intensive manhunt, aided by forensic and intelligence leads. This culminated in the arrest of James Njiru Murimi (42) and Peter Mbogo Wanjerina (35), who police say are the main suspects behind the killing.
The two suspects are currently being held in police custody as investigations continue. Police say they will be arraigned in court once processing is complete.
Detectives have vowed to pursue all leads to ensure justice is served for the deceased and her family.
