Residents of Kandara in Murang’a have raised alarm over increased cases of insecurity in the area, which have left two people dead within one week.
The assailants have also inflicted injuries on scores of people, with some still admitted to various hospitals.
Kibui Kariru, a chapati and mandazi vendor in Kandara town, was attacked on his way home, where the assailants beheaded him and dumped his body near River Makindi.
His brother, Joseph Muturi, said the body was discovered the following day by a passerby who raised the alarm, alerting the neighbours.
“His body was badly mutilated. His ears had been cut off, and there were deep cuts on his legs. He died a painful death,” Muturi said.
“I don’t understand why someone would kill my brother in such a manner, and from what I know, he was not in conflict with anyone in this area,” he added.
Residents living in fear
Jathan Chege, another victim, was attacked in a similar manner, and his body was dumped in a thicket, sparking fear among residents now that the culprits are still at large.
“There was a man who was spotted dragging a woman into a thicket, but he ran away after people who saw him raised the alarm. He then dived into the river and disappeared,” said Mary Njeri, another resident.
Interestingly, the assailants are not taking anything, including money or mobile phones, from the victims, which is now raising curiosity about the motive behind the violent attacks.
This trend has also forced businesspeople to close their shops early to avoid falling into the hands of the assailants, who are yet to be identified.
The culprits are said to be waylaying their targets at night or during the early morning hours before dawn.
Police launch investigation as fear grips Kandara
Residents have urged police officers to hasten the search for the suspects and have them arrested, saying they fear for their safety even during the day.
Florence Mutua, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations officer in Kandara Sub-county, said investigations into the matter have begun and that officers are pursuing crucial leads from information gathered.
Mutua, however, said no suspect has been arrested so far and appealed for calm among residents as police handle the matter.
“We are seeking to establish whether it is one person involved in the crime or a gang. We are also appealing to members of the public to share any information that could help us arrest the suspects,” Mutua said.
