Horror as Teen Held Over Murder of Schoolgirl

Police in Nakuru County are holding a 16-year-old boy over the killing of 12-year-old Mercy Nyambura Muriithi, whose body was found in a maize plantation in Njoro Sub-County after she went missing on her way home from school.

Nyambura, a Grade Six pupil at Sinendet Primary School, disappeared on Monday, 19 May, while walking home. Her family and neighbours began searching for her that evening after she failed to return. Her body was discovered the following day in a nearby maize field, still dressed in her school uniform.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the girl was strangled and suffered a piercing injury to her left eye. Her body was later taken to Egerton University Funeral Home for a post-mortem examination.

Njoro Sub-County Police Commander Stanley Koech said officers traced the suspect through a mobile phone he was using. Police later arrested him at his aunt’s home in Mau Narok. Mr Koech said the boy is known within the community but is not related to the victim.

The suspect is expected to appear in court under a miscellaneous application as investigators seek more time to complete inquiries. Police said the investigations will include a post-mortem examination, witness statements, and assessments of the suspect’s age and mental condition.

Family members described the events leading to the discovery of the child’s body. Nyambura’s aunt, Susan Nyarwai, said the girl’s father came to her home on Monday evening looking for his daughter after she failed to arrive home. The family reported the disappearance to local authorities before continuing the search the next day.

Residents searching the area later heard screams coming from a nearby maize plantation, where the child’s body was found.