This archive report was first published on 6 July 2021.
On Sunday, a nine-year-old Standard Three pupil at Gatundu ini Primary School in Muguru ward, Murang'a, went missing after being sent by her mother to a nearby shop.
Her mother reported her missing, and a search team led by Nominated MCA Eunice Kariuki was formed to look for the minor.
After an extensive search operation, the minor's body was found in an unused well in the neighbourhood on Monday afternoon.
According to Kangema OCPD Mr John Ogolla, the body was discovered after a report was made at Kangema police station on Monday morning when the girl could not be traced.
Mr Ogolla also revealed that the suspect, a farmhand in the neighbourhood, fled from the village after discovering he was being sought in connection with the missing girl.
The suspect was later arrested in Maragua town on Monday night and is currently being held at Maragua Police Station, awaiting transportation to Kangema for interrogation before being taken to court.
Mr Ogolla urged parents to escort their children when they are out of the home, citing the need for security.
He also hinted that the minor could have been defiled, but a postmortem will be conducted to determine the cause of death.
