Tragic details have emerged surrounding the brutal killing of Betty Wanjiru, a 28-year-old secondary school principal in Kirinyaga County.
Wanjiru was allegedly raped, tortured, and murdered in an attack police describe as part of a worrying pattern of cold-blooded killings.
Her father, Mr Jeremiah Nyaga, said the suspect—who had been dating his daughter since last year—called him at around 1am claiming she was sick and having breathing problems, and asked him to pick her up.
He added that he sensed danger and reported the matter to the Kimbimbi police post but received no assistance.
On March 9, 2026, Wanjiru left for work at Ithiga Ria Njuki Junior Secondary School and never returned.
Three days later, around 11am, residents discovered her half-naked body near the Nyamindi River in Mugumoini village and alerted Wang’uru police station.
Wanjiru’s handbag was found beside her body, though some personal items, including her phone, were missing.
Investigators believe she was held captive at the suspect’s house for three days before being killed.
After the murder, the suspect allegedly dragged her body to a farm to hide evidence.
The prime suspect, a casual labourer, reportedly saw his mud-walled house in Ngucwi village set on fire by angry residents after he escaped.
Residents said they wanted to punish him for killing a caring teacher who educated their children, but he fled before they could be apprehended.
Wanjiru’s distraught father described the killing as cruel and inhuman and demanded justice from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
Teachers in the county condemned the act and called for urgent action against rising gender-based violence.
Police said investigations are ongoing and assured the family that the suspect will face the full force of the law.
The body of the single mother of a two-year-old girl remains at Kibugi Funeral Home awaiting postmortem examination.
The tragedy has left the community in shock and intensified calls for stronger protection of women and children.
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