MURANG’A, Kenya – After a harrowing week of uncertainty, 28-year-old Lilian Nyambura Mbugua has been found alive. Mbugua, a brand manager with East Africa Breweries Limited (EABL), vanished from her family’s home in Gikono, Kabati, Murang’a County on December 23.
Her disappearance had sparked a widespread search and left her family in anguish.
She was discovered early Tuesday, shortly after midnight, at a filling station in Maragua Town, Murang’a.
According to her uncle, George Njuguna, Lilian appeared “weak and confused” and was unsure how she ended up at the location.
Lilian was immediately taken to a nearby health center, where medical staff noted she seemed “disturbed.”
Plans are underway to transfer her to Nairobi for further medical attention as authorities continue investigating her disappearance.
Lilian had traveled to her mother’s home on December 21 to celebrate the festive season with her family.
She appeared to be in good spirits, even attending a church service with her family on December 22.
But on December 23, around 5 p.m., she left the house wearing just a headscarf and slippers, ostensibly for a casual stroll.
Her mother, preoccupied with household chores, noticed her absence only later, sparking concern.
Attempts to contact her were futile, as both her phones, car keys, and other personal belongings, including identification documents, were found left behind in the house.
The family reported her disappearance to Gikono Police on December 24 and later to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Kenol.
Investigations revealed Lilian made three phone calls on the evening of December 21, but she carried no traceable devices when she disappeared.
The case posed significant challenges to investigators. Without a mobile phone or vehicle to trace, authorities described it as a “hard inquiry.”
“It’s challenging because if we had a phone to track or a vehicle to follow, we could narrow down our search,” said Constable Patrick Maina of the Gikono Police Station before her discovery.
The circumstances surrounding Lilian’s disappearance and how she ended up in Maragua remain unclear.
Police are continuing their probe, with hopes that Lilian’s recovery will provide new leads.
Her family, relieved by her return, is now focusing on her well-being.
“We are grateful she is alive. Our priority now is to ensure she receives the care she needs,” Njuguna said.
Her disappearance had sparked a widespread search and left her family in anguish.
She was discovered early Tuesday, shortly after midnight, at a filling station in Maragua Town, Murang’a.
According to her uncle, George Njuguna, Lilian appeared “weak and confused” and was unsure how she ended up at the location.
Lilian was immediately taken to a nearby health center, where medical staff noted she seemed “disturbed.”
Plans are underway to transfer her to Nairobi for further medical attention as authorities continue investigating her disappearance.
Lilian had traveled to her mother’s home on December 21 to celebrate the festive season with her family.
She appeared to be in good spirits, even attending a church service with her family on December 22.
But on December 23, around 5 p.m., she left the house wearing just a headscarf and slippers, ostensibly for a casual stroll.
Her mother, preoccupied with household chores, noticed her absence only later, sparking concern.
Attempts to contact her were futile, as both her phones, car keys, and other personal belongings, including identification documents, were found left behind in the house.
The family reported her disappearance to Gikono Police on December 24 and later to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Kenol.
Investigations revealed Lilian made three phone calls on the evening of December 21, but she carried no traceable devices when she disappeared.
The case posed significant challenges to investigators. Without a mobile phone or vehicle to trace, authorities described it as a “hard inquiry.”
“It’s challenging because if we had a phone to track or a vehicle to follow, we could narrow down our search,” said Constable Patrick Maina of the Gikono Police Station before her discovery.
The circumstances surrounding Lilian’s disappearance and how she ended up in Maragua remain unclear.
Police are continuing their probe, with hopes that Lilian’s recovery will provide new leads.
Her family, relieved by her return, is now focusing on her well-being.
“We are grateful she is alive. Our priority now is to ensure she receives the care she needs,” Njuguna said.
