On Wednesday, a murder suspect accused of killing a 44-year old widow in Mbeere, Embu County on September 25 was arraigned before the Embu High Court.
The suspect in question stood accused of murdering the widow with whom he was romantically involved with at some point before their relationship turned sour.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the victim's lifeless body was found in a pool of water in the Kiambere division of Mbeere, Embu County. The detectives revealed the victim's body, when it was discovered bore severe bruises.
The DCI revealed that the victim lived on a farm where her late husband worked as a supervisor before her untimely death.
Meanwhile, the suspect, according to the DCI, would later be hired as a supervisor at the firm after the widow's husband passed away in late 2023.
The suspect was housed in one of the widow's son's house. It was further revealed that although the suspect left the job after three months, he continued to stay at this residence.
"During his stay, a relationship blossomed between (between the suspect and the widow), much to the dismay of her son. This disapproval by the son led to (the suspect's) eviction from the house, forcing him to find accommodation in Isakho area," a statement by the DCI read.
Later on September 25, 2024, the suspect visited the homestead once again, spending time with the slain widow during which they broke bread together.
However, the situation took a turn for the worse when the suspect insisted on spending night at the victim's home. The widow, however declined, leading to a confrontation.
"A heated argument ensued, culminating in (the suspect) striking (the widow) on the head, knocking her unconscious. He then dragged her to the nearby Ciakarigu River, where he continued his brutal assault before leaving her for dead and watching over her all night," the DCI's statement read.
After the crime was reported, the DCI initiated a manhunt for the suspect who was subsequently arrested and arraigned before the Embu High Court. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The suspect is currently being detained ahead of pre-trials slated for November 19, 2024.
