This archive report was first published on 1 December 2019.
On a fateful Thursday morning, John Nduno and his wife left their home in Naivasha for a relative's funeral, unaware that their daughter Valerie Njeri would soon be dead.
Valerie, a studious girl, had returned a Chemistry book to her classmate, a 17-year-old boy, after he made unwanted sexual advances. The incident escalated into a brutal fight, resulting in 26 stab wounds that drained the life out of the girl.
Police accounts reveal that the boy used a knife to stab Valerie, breaking it in the process. He then grabbed another knife and delivered more blows, leaving her body under his bed overnight.
Naivasha DCI Chief Kenneth Njoroge stated, 'He then dragged the body under his bed where it remained overnight.'
When his parents woke up, the boy had already disposed of the body and had his books spread on the table, giving no indication of the horrific events that had transpired.
It was only when a policeman noticed a cut on the boy's foot and dried blood on his shorts that the truth began to unravel. An ultraviolet light revealed a blood trail leading to his bed, and he was subsequently taken in for questioning, where he confessed to the crime.
Valerie's parents, John Nduno and Mary Chepleting, were left reeling from the news, with Mr. Nduno stating, '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, with the suspect being a respectable boy who shared exam papers with Valerie's family. However, his mother, Susan Warugu, revealed that he had become rebellious since joining Form Three.
Psychologists attribute such extreme behavior to factors like 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.
