This archive report was first published on 21 November 2019.
Tragic Murder at Nanyuki Airbase ¶
On October 27, Joyce Syombua and her two children went missing after visiting her estranged husband Major Peter Mugure at the Nanyuki military airbase. The bodies of the three were later found in a shallow grave barely a kilometre from Major Mugure's house.
According to a witness, he was asked to dispose of the bodies in exchange for a job in the military. The witness claimed he was promised the job if he cooperated with the perpetrators.
Police investigators recovered several documents, including a resume and academic certificates belonging to the witness, in one of the houses where the victims were killed.
On November 16, the bodies of Joyce Syombua, 31, Shanice Maua (10), and Prince Michael (5) were recovered in a shallow grave at Kilimo in Thingithu Estate, Laikipia County.
Autopsy results revealed that Joyce Syombua was hit on the head with a blunt object causing bleeding in the brain, while her two children were strangled with a rope.
Chief Government Pathologist Johansen Odour conducted the autopsy and noted that the bodies were decomposed, making it difficult to determine the exact time of death.
Dr. Odour also mentioned that they have taken samples for analysis to clarify allegations that the victims may have been drugged before being killed.
Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Peter Mailanyi is handling the case and has stated that the mobile phone of Joyce Syombua will be analyzed as part of the investigation.
Major Peter Mugure and his co-accused Collins Pamba are currently being held at Nanyuki and Narumoru police stations respectively in connection with the killings.
