Shock in Kirinyaga as missing man found dead near family shop

The victim, identified as Humphrey Mwai, was discovered early Tuesday morning near a shop located within his family compound.

His disappearance had prompted an anxious search by relatives and neighbors.

His father, Danson Mute, 85, said villagers who had gone to the shop raised the alarm after finding the body.

“It is heartbreaking. We had been searching for him, hoping he would come back home safely,” he said.

Nyangati Location Chief Immaculate Wanjiru Njoka confirmed the incident, saying residents notified her shortly after the discovery.

She described it as a deeply troubling case for the community and confirmed that preliminary observations suggested the victim may have suffered severe injuries.

“This is an unusual and shocking incident in our area. Security officers have already begun investigations,” Chief Njoka said.

Family members described Mwai as a hardworking farmer whose wife runs the shop where his body was found.

His brother-in-law, Samuel Kinyua, who also serves as the village in-charge, said the family had been preparing to celebrate the Christmas season together.

Neighbors, among them Jackson Gicobi and Lawrence Kariuki, called on authorities to move swiftly and bring those responsible to justice.

Chief Njoka said the body has been taken to Kibugi Funeral Home in Kutus for a post-mortem examination, and urged residents to cooperate with investigators.

Police have launched investigations into the incident.