A Nyeri court has allowed detectives to detain 23-year-old Joseph Njoroge Weru for 30 days as investigations gather pace into the brutal killings of two young women in separate incidents.
In a statement posted on X, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations described the matter as a chilling series of murders allegedly executed in a calculated and deliberate manner.
Detectives say the first victim, 28-year-old Mary Yamasei Merutuni, was killed on January 17, 2026 after leaving her rented house in Naro Moru for a picnic in Karogoto area, Nyeri County. DCI Reveals Disturbing Pattern in Nyeri Double Murder Case
Investigators believe she was attacked from behind near a hiking trail adjacent to Karogoto Stream. The suspect allegedly struck her repeatedly on the back of the head before dragging her body into the stream.
Her body was discovered the following day by residents who alerted police. Officers recovered a blood-stained stick at the scene, which detectives believe was used in the killing.
Authorities further allege that the suspect returned to the victim’s house, stole household items and later sold them at a second-hand shop.
Five days later, on January 24, 2026, 22-year-old Beatrice Nyawira Nyokabi, a barber based in Karatina, was reportedly lured for a hike near the Gura River.
In what detectives describe as a similar pattern, she was allegedly ambushed and killed before her body was dumped in Ithekahuno Village.
Her decomposed body was recovered on February 12, 2026, with the right hand missing. Investigators later recovered a decomposed human arm believed to belong to the victim.
Following his arrest on February 13 and arraignment on February 16, the suspect reportedly led officers to key locations linked to the investigations.
These included the victim’s house, a hostel room and a furniture shop where stolen items were allegedly sold. Detectives say CCTV footage corroborated witness accounts.
The DCI stated that investigations remain active as officers pursue leads to determine whether additional victims may be linked to the suspect.
The agency has urged anyone with information regarding missing persons in Nyandarua, Nakuru, Nyeri, Laikipia and Juja to report to the nearest police station.
