Police urge public vigilance as 339 murders reported in two months

A total of 339 murder cases have been reported to the National Police Service (NPS) between August and October 2024, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has revealed.

This figure marks a slight increase compared to 336 cases over the same period in 2023 and 341 cases in 2022.

In a statement on Thursday, IG Kanja expressed concern over the rising number of murder incidents, urging the public to report any criminal activities amid the ongoing investigations.

The NPS highlighted a disturbing trend in murder cases recorded over the past two months, with a comparative analysis showing a rise in cases in 2024.

The police also provided updates on several ongoing investigations.

In Khwisero Sub-County, the partially decomposed body of Willis Onyango Aiyeko, 52, an employee of Wells Fargo, was discovered in Mungowere Stream. Aiyeko had been reported missing at Siaya Police Station on October 21.

Police said his body was transported to Nairobi on October 24, for an autopsy.

"The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Homicide Unit is continuing its investigation into the case," Kanja said.

Meanwhile, the body initially believed to be that of Wajir MCA Yusuf Hussein, who went missing on September 13 in Makadara, Nairobi, was found floating in Lake Yahud, Wajir East, on October 20.

However, DNA results from the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and the Government Chemist confirmed the body was not that of the missing Dela Ward MCA.

Kanja noted that the DCI will open an inquest into the unidentified body, while investigations into Hussein's disappearance continue.

In Kajiado, the body of lawyer James Nyaata Onchiri, 62, was found on October 22. He was last seen with his office messenger, Erick Ondiek, at the Kajiado Public Works canteen.

Police noted that CCTV footage showed Ondiek dragging Onchiri from the bar before running him over with a vehicle. The IG said Ondiek and four other suspects have been arrested and are assisting the police with investigations.

"A post-mortem conducted at Kajiado County Hospital indicated that Onchiri died from chest injuries caused by blunt force trauma," Kanja said.

In Nairobi's Eastleigh Estate, the bodies of Dahabo Daud Said, 38, Amina Abdirashid Dahir, 22, and Nusayba Abdi Mohammed, 13, were discovered on October 22 at different locations.

They had gone missing the previous night, and their bodies were found with multiple stab wounds. Two severed hands were also recovered in South C, Nairobi, a day later.

Kanja said the DCI homicide team is investigating the case, with autopsies scheduled for October 25.

In Thika townp, the body of 23-year-old Seth Nyakio Njeri was found at her friend's house on October 14. According to the police, a post-mortem revealed that she had died from manual strangulation.

Kanja said investigations are still ongoing.

In Mombasa, taxi driver Victoria Mumbua, who had been missing since September 28, was found murdered, and her body was recovered along the Mai Mahiu-Naivasha highway.

A suspect, Edwin Ngetich Kipkemboi, was arrested and was reported to have confessed to the crime.

Police noted that Kipkemboi has also been linked to other murders involving taxi drivers in Migori County and two robbery incidents targeting drivers.

"Investigators recovered vehicles fitted with fake number plates connected to these crimes," the IG said.

Kanja has urged the public to cooperate by reporting any criminal activities or suspects to the nearest police station or the DCI Homicide Unit.

The NPS has reiterated its commitment to ensuring justice is served for the victims and their families.