Nyandarua County is reeling from two separate tragedies, the defilement and murder of a 13-year-old girl in Olkalou, and the death of a prominent Akorino bishop after his church collapsed in Heni village, Kinangop.
In Mugumo village, Olkalou, the family of Maureen Wanjiku, a Grade Seven pupil at Mugumo Primary School, is mourning her brutal death. She was sent to a nearby shop for sugar on Tuesday afternoon but never returned.
Her grandfather, James Thiong’o, said he had been visiting Maureen’s mother at JM Memorial Hospital, where she had just delivered twins, when news came that the girl was missing.
Family and neighbours searched through the night and the following morning, her uncle, Peter Thiong’o, found her body at the edge of the family farm.
Nyandarua County Police Commander Stella Cherono confirmed Maureen had been sexually assaulted before being killed. “We are following all leads to ensure the suspect is brought to book,” she said.
The body is at JM Memorial Hospital mortuary pending postmortem.
In Heni village, Kinangop, Bishop Hirum Kibue of Holy Mission Israel Church died when a church under construction collapsed while he was inside with his two sons.
Bishop Zachary Njoroge of Calvary Church said the bishop and his sons were removing lintel timber when the building caved in.
Kibue died instantly, while his sons sustained serious injuries and were taken to Heni Health Centre.
The body was moved to Engineer Sub-County Hospital mortuary.
As investigations continue, the mourning families are seeking justice, healing, and answers in the wake of these devastating events.
