Suspect arrested over murder of 65-year-old woman in Meru
Detectives in Meru County have arrested a prime suspect in connection with the murder of 65-year-old Evelyne Mukiri Mbaabu in Kithoka, Imenti East Sub-county.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the woman was fatally attacked at her home on August 7, 2026, while preparing supper with her 13-year-old grandson.
According to the DCI, an unknown man entered the compound and proceeded to the kitchen, where he asked for drinking water.
Moments later, the boy heard his grandmother scream for help. He rushed to the kitchen and found her lying in a pool of blood.
The attacker then turned on the boy and struck him on the hand with a panga before fleeing from the compound.
Mbaabu was rushed to Grace Park Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.
Following weeks of forensic analysis and intelligence-led investigations by detectives from the County Criminal Investigations Office and DCI Imenti North, the prime suspect, Solomon Kathurima Kairemia, was traced and arrested on September 21, 2026.
The DCI said Kairemia had abandoned his house by the time detectives caught up with him and had been spending nights hiding in nearby thickets, a few metres from his residence.
During the arrest, detectives recovered a blood-stained panga believed to have been used in the attack. The weapon was secured as an exhibit and will undergo further forensic examination.
A police identification parade was subsequently conducted, during which Kairemia was positively identified as the alleged attacker.
The suspect was later presented before the Meru Law Courts, where investigators obtained a 14-day custodial order to allow them to complete their investigations.
“The DCI extends its condolences to the family, friends and relatives of Evelyne Mukiri Mbaabu and remains committed to pursuing every available lead to establish the motive and circumstances surrounding her murder, and ensure that all those found culpable are brought to justice,” the DCI said.
