This archive report was first published on 1 December 2019.
On December 1, 2019, a family in Naivasha, Kenya, was left reeling after their 17-year-old daughter, Valerie Njeri, was brutally stabbed to death by a trusted neighbor and friend.
According to police accounts, Njeri had returned a Chemistry book she had borrowed from the boy, who then made sexual advances towards her. She refused, and a fight ensued. The boy used a knife to stab her, breaking it in the process. He then grabbed another knife and delivered more blows, leaving Njeri with 26 stab wounds.
Naivasha DCI Chief Kenneth Njoroge revealed that the suspect had dragged the body under his bed, where it remained overnight, before meticulously cleaning the room and sharing a meal with his family.
When questioned by Njeri's parents, the suspect claimed he had not seen her, but a cut on his foot and dried blood on his shorts raised suspicions. An ultraviolet light revealed a blood trail leading to his bed, and he was taken in for questioning, where he confessed to the crime.
Police believe Njeri was killed at around midday on Thursday, and her parents had been searching for her after receiving a call from an irate customer complaining that the posho mill had been left unattended.
Valerie's father, John Nduno, expressed shock and grief, saying, 'We have so many unanswered questions. We knew they were friends who would exchange exam papers, but this murder has caught us by surprise and left us wounded spiritually and emotionally.'
The two families were reportedly close, and Nduno described the suspect as a respectable boy who always shared exam papers with his daughter.
Psychologists have attributed the suspect's behavior to possible drug abuse, hormonal changes, and pressure from home and school, which can push teenagers into extreme rage and depression.
Area Chief Hassan Guyo announced that the suspect is expected in court on Monday.
