This archive report was first published on 20 November 2019.
On November 20, 2019, a police officer who had been reported missing for four days was found dead inside a rental house belonging to his male friend in Kirinyaga county.
The officer, based at Difathas Police Post, went missing on Saturday and his decomposing body was discovered on Wednesday.
Area residents reported a foul smell emanating from the house, prompting them to investigate further.
‘House flies were hovering around the building while there was a bad smell. When we peeped through an opening on the window, we saw the decomposing body. We then reported the matter to the police,’ said Mr Michael Chomba, an area resident.
Mr David Kinyua, the landlord of the property, expressed shock upon learning of the officer's demise.
‘There are other tenants in the area but I do not understand why they didn’t inform me or report the matter to the police,’ he said.
Residents suspect the officer was killed by unknown individuals who then abandoned the body in the house.
Before his death, the officer was seen in a bar with three people.
‘The last time I saw the officer he was enjoying drinks with the two strangers. I’m shocked to learn that he is now dead,’ said one of the residents who wished to remain anonymous.
Following the officer's death, his colleagues transported his body to Kerugoya Referral Hospital mortuary.
Officials from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the officer's death.
Already, the victim's friend has been arrested and is being held at Wang’uru Police Station.
Kirinyaga County police commander, Ms Leah Kithei, confirmed the arrest, stating that the suspect is assisting detectives with their investigation.
