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Residents of Muthiga Village in Salgaa, Rongai, Nakuru County, are in shock after an elderly couple was discovered brutally murdered in their home on Sunday. The victims, Joseph Kihiti, 90, and his wife Bethrosa Wanjiku, 63, were found dead under disturbing circumstances that have left the community shaken.
According to local authorities, Joseph Kihiti’s body was found lying lifeless on a bed, while his wife’s body was discovered in the living room. The couple’s deaths have left both the family and the local community in deep mourning, as they were well-known and respected members of the village.
The alarm was raised when the couple failed to attend church, a routine they rarely missed. Church members and concerned residents, noticing their absence, visited the couple's home to check on them. They found the front door locked, which was unusual. At the back of the house, a disturbing sight greeted them: a pool of blood on the ground and an open door.
Area Chief Stephen Nderitu described the unsettling scene, stating, “When we arrived, the back door was open, and there was a large pool of blood on the ground. It was clear something terrible had happened.”
Upon confirmation of the crime, Rongai Sub-County Criminal Investigations Officer Donata Atieno disclosed that preliminary findings indicated the couple had been subjected to extreme violence. Investigators believe the murders may have occurred on Friday evening, though the bodies were only discovered two days later. The delay in discovery has left authorities puzzled, as no one in the area heard any commotion or witnessed anything suspicious.
What makes the crime even more chilling is that the couple, who lived alone on their farm, reportedly had no known disputes or enemies. Their peaceful and quiet lifestyle had never raised any red flags. Investigators also noted that nothing appeared to have been stolen from the house, which deepens the mystery surrounding the brutal killings. The lack of a clear motive has prompted a full-scale investigation into the incident.
Speaking in anguish, the couple’s son, John Njogu, expressed his disbelief over the senseless killing of his parents. “Why would anyone think of taking my father’s life at such an age?” he asked, struggling to contain his grief. The son, who had been in close contact with his parents, shared that the couple had been in good health and high spirits in the days leading up to their deaths.
Local residents described the couple as peaceful and hardworking, contributing to the community through farming and other activities. They were known for their kindness and hospitality, and their tragic deaths have left the community in a state of disbelief.
“We never imagined something like this could happen here,” said a local villager, visibly shaken. “This is a quiet area, and everyone knew them. It’s hard to believe such violence could befall them.”
The crime has raised concerns about safety in rural areas, where residents often live in isolated locations. The disturbing nature of the killings has led to fears that other elderly individuals may be at risk.
As investigators continue to piece together the details surrounding the murder, authorities are urging anyone with information about the crime to come forward. Police are exploring all possible leads, and there is a growing sense of urgency as the search for the perpetrators intensifies.
The community remains on edge, hoping that justice will be served for the brutal murder of the elderly couple. Meanwhile, the family is left to mourn their unimaginable loss, with many still asking why anyone would commit such an atrocity against two people who had contributed so much to their community.
As the investigation unfolds, the residents of Muthiga Village are anxiously awaiting answers, hoping the mystery behind the senseless crime will soon be solved.
Recently more cases of criminal activities have been reported in this area. About three days ago, a police officer in Nakuru City was beaten up and his gun stolen just few meters from the police station.
Residents have asked the county government together with national government to heighten the security in this county which has been troubling them for a long time now.
