A somber mood has settled over Mugari village in Kiambere Ward, Embu County, following the discovery of 44-year-old Jane Mwende Kilonzi’s body floating in a nearby river. The mother of seven was last seen on Tuesday evening, and villagers are struggling to come to terms with her tragic death.
Upon investigation, it was revealed that Kilonzi’s body showed signs of violence, with her eyes gouged and multiple injuries on her head and limbs. Blood traces were found several meters from the scene, along with blood-stained rods.
Authorities are currently seeking a farmhand who is considered a suspect in the case. The man reportedly began a relationship with Kilonzi after the death of her husband last year but has since gone into hiding. Village elder Jonathan Muswii confirmed that the suspect has not been seen since the incident.
Kilonzi’s niece, Catherine Njoki, recounted her last conversation with her aunt around 4 PM on Tuesday, noting that nothing seemed amiss at that time. Neighbors reported that the suspect was at Kilonzi’s homestead until about 11 PM, when screams were heard coming from her home, which abruptly ceased minutes later.
“We do not know what transpired thereafter, as we just woke up to the sad news of her demise,” Njoki expressed.
The body has been taken to Embu Level Five Hospital for further examination, and investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding Kilonzi’s death.
