Decomposing bodies of two unidentified young women were discovered in the Kapingazi River near Embu Town on Wednesday evening, prompting a homicide investigation. Authorities suspect murder.
A passer-by found the naked victims floating near Matakari on the town’s outskirts and alerted police. Preliminary witness accounts suggest the women had been strangled prior to disposal in the water.
The scene was swiftly compromised, however, when enraged local residents burned down a makeshift structure in a nearby thicket, the shelter, believed by locals to be a criminal hideout, contained potential evidence – including smartphones and women’s clothing – before its destruction.
Detectives have removed the bodies to Embu Level 5 Hospital mortuary for post-mortem examinations. A manhunt is underway for the suspected killers and the shelter’s occupants.
Residents expressed outrage at the killings. “These girls were someone’s daughters. Whoever did this must face the full force of the law,” stated Joseph Njeru, a local resident.
Mugo Mate, Chair of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Embu Branch, linked the incident to deteriorating security: “Such acts are pointers towards the state of insecurity in Embu. We call upon security organs to be vigilant and conduct speedy investigations.” He urged enhanced security measures across the town.
Police have appealed for calm and any information relevant to the investigation, while condemning the destruction of the shelter which significantly hindered evidence recovery.
