This archive report was first published on 17 November 2019.
On October 25, 2019, Joyce Syombua, a 31-year-old mother, left Nairobi with her two children, Shanice Maua and Prince Michael, to visit their father, Army Major Peter Mugure, at his Nanyuki Barracks residence.
According to in-text messages and call records, Syombua communicated regularly with her friend, telling her that Mugure had left with the kids but never returned with them.
When questioned by the police, Mugure initially denied the kids were his, but a DNA test later confirmed he was their biological father. He was ordered by a Nairobi court to pay for child support.
On October 26, 2019, Syombua's friend called her at 7pm, but her phone was off. Her family was worried and reported the matter to the police after a few days.
Police investigating the disappearances questioned Mugure, who claimed he had escorted the family to a matatu terminus, where they boarded a Nairobi-bound matatu. He was arrested on Friday, November 15, 2019, in connection with the disappearances and will be arraigned in court on Monday, November 18, 2019.
The bodies of Syombua and her two children were found buried at Makaburini, Thingithu area, in Laikipia county.
