MERU, Kenya — Detectives in Meru have arrested a prime suspect in the murder of 65-year-old Evelyne Mukiri Mbaabu, who was fatally attacked at her home in Kithoka, Imenti East Sub-County.
Mbaabu was killed on August 7, 2026, after an unidentified man entered her compound while she was preparing supper with her 13-year-old grandson.
According to investigators, the suspect walked into the kitchen and asked for drinking water.
Moments later, the boy heard his grandmother scream for help.
He rushed to the kitchen and found her lying in a pool of blood. The attacker then turned on the teenager, striking him on the hand with a panga before fleeing the scene.
Mbaabu was rushed to Grace Park Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.
Weeks of forensic analysis and intelligence-led investigations by detectives from the CCIO’s Office and DCI Imenti North eventually led investigators to the suspect, identified as Solomon Kathurima Kairemia.
Kairemia was arrested on September 21, 2026.
Detectives said the suspect had abandoned his house and was hiding in nearby thickets, just metres from his residence, in an apparent attempt to evade arrest.
During the operation, detectives recovered a blood-stained panga believed to have been used in the attack. The weapon was taken into custody as an exhibit for further forensic analysis.
The suspect was subsequently subjected to a police identification parade, where investigators said he was positively identified as the man behind the fatal attack.
Kairemia was later presented before the Meru Law Courts, where detectives secured a 14-day custodial order to allow them to complete their investigations.
The DCI said investigations remain ongoing as detectives work to establish the motive and circumstances surrounding the killing.
The Directorate extended its condolences to Mbaabu’s family, friends and relatives, saying it would pursue all available leads and ensure those found culpable are brought to justice.
