A Nyeri court has granted detectives 30 days to detain 23-year-old Joseph Njoroge Weru as investigations into the brutal killings of two young women gather momentum.
In a statement posted on its official X account, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) described the case as a “chilling series of murders” allegedly carried out in a calculated manner.
According to detectives, the first victim, 28-year-old Mary Yamasei Merutuni, was killed on January 17, 2026.
She had reportedly left her rented house in Naro Moru after the suspect persuaded her to accompany him for a picnic in Karogoto area, Nyeri County. Investigators believe she was attacked from behind near a hiking trail adjacent to Karogoto Stream.
“The suspect allegedly got behind her and struck her repeatedly on the back of the head, killing her, before dragging her body and dumping it in Karogoto Stream in a bid to conceal the crime,” DCI stated.
Her body was discovered the following day by locals, who alerted police. Detectives recovered a blood-stained stick believed to be the murder weapon.
The suspect is further accused of returning to her home, stealing household items and selling them at a second-hand shop.
Five days later, on January 24, 2026, 22-year-old Beatrice Nyawira Nyokabi, a barber based in Karatina, was reportedly lured for a hike near the Gura River.
In what investigators describe as a similar pattern, she was allegedly ambushed and killed before her body was abandoned in Ithekahuno Village.
The decomposed body was recovered on February 12, 2026, with the right hand missing. Detectives later recovered a decomposed human arm believed to belong to the victim.
Following his arrest on February 13 and arraignment on February 16, the suspect reportedly led officers to key locations, including the victim’s house, a hostel room and a furniture shop where stolen items were sold. CCTV footage is said to have corroborated witness accounts.
“Investigations remain active as detectives follow leads to establish whether additional victims may be linked to the suspect,” the DCI added, urging anyone with information on missing persons in Nyandarua, Nakuru, Nyeri, Laikipia and Juja to report to the nearest police station.
