A sombre mood gripped Rititi Village, Mathira, as family and mourners laid eight‑year‑old Shantel Waruguru to rest after her brutal death allegedly at the hands of her uncle. Hundreds gathered to pay their last respects.
Community in deep shock over violent death
Shantel went missing on February 8 while in the care of her four‑year‑old sister, and her body was found two days later in a pit latrine, sparking grief and outrage across Nyeri County.
Uncle held as prime suspect
Police arrested 29‑year‑old Peter Njuguna, a neighbour identified as Shantel’s uncle, who allegedly lured the child before committing the crime, investigators say. He remains in custody as probes continue.
Grieving classmates demand justice
During the funeral, young classmates wept openly and one, visibly distraught, delivered a tearful tribute asking religious leaders to pray and urging authorities not to let those responsible walk free.
Call for protection of girls rises
The child’s schoolmates, overwhelmed by emotion, called for protection for young girls, with teachers comforting them as they painfully spoke about their lost friend.
Public reacts to eulogy wording
Kenyans criticised the eulogy for describing Shantel’s death as “accidental”, saying it appeared to excuse the violence rather than acknowledge the brutality of the alleged crime.
Calls for enhancing child safety laws
The burial also saw calls for harsher penalties and justice for offenders, with leaders and activists pushing legal reforms to protect vulnerable children from defilement and violence.
Officials promise action
Government representatives condemned the killing and vowed swift action, highlighting the need for stronger measures to prevent such tragedies and safeguard children in their own communities.
Community remembers a life cut short
As the earth was lowered on Shantel’s coffin, desperate pleas for justice mingled with tears, with many saying her death should serve as a painful reminder of the dangers children face at home.
Case a broader wake‑up call
Shantel’s death and the public response have reignited national debate on child protection, law enforcement response, and how communities and authorities can better act to prevent such senseless loss.
