Detectives have arrested and detained a man suspected of brutally killing his 60-year-old mother in a case that has shocked residents of Nyandarua Central Sub-County.
The suspect, identified as Benson Maina Mwangi, is accused of murdering his mother, Millicent Wahura Mwangi, who went missing on November 11, 2025, from her home in Mwireri village, Olkalou.
The case was initially reported at Olkalou Police Station as a missing person incident. However, investigations soon took a grim turn after preliminary findings pointed to foul play.
Three days later, on November 14, passers-by in Rumathi village, about 37 kilometres from Olkalou along the Malewa–Kipipiri Road, discovered a female torso stuffed in a sack and dumped by the roadside.
The body part was clothed in a whitish blouse with blue and black stripes.
Police officers from Kipipiri Police Station responded to the scene, documented the discovery and launched a search for the remaining body parts, but none were recovered.
The torso was later moved to the JM Kariuki Memorial Funeral Home for preservation, identification and post-mortem examination.
On November 15, detectives informed the victim’s family about the discovery.
While searching for their missing relative, family members visited the mortuary and positively identified the torso as that of Millicent Wahura Mwangi.
Following confirmation that the case was a homicide, detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Homicide Unit took over the probe, working alongside officers from Nyandarua Central Sub-County. Investigators launched an intensive manhunt for the suspect.
Using forensic intelligence, detectives tracked down and arrested Mwangi on November 20 at his hideout in Kamulu.
He was later arraigned before the Senior Principal Magistrate’s Court in Olkalou on November 24, where detectives obtained orders to detain him for 21 days to allow for further investigations.
He remains in custody, with the case set for mention on January 19, 2026.
On December 23, homicide detectives and forensic experts conducted a scene re-enactment exercise.
Led by the suspect, the team moved to River Malewa, where an underwater search led to the recovery of key exhibits, including a machete believed to have been used in the murder, as well as a bedsheet, blanket and other items allegedly disposed of after the killing.
Police say investigations are ongoing as detectives reconstruct the final moments of the deceased and compile evidence to build a strong case ahead of prosecution.
The DCI has urged members of the public to continue sharing information that may aid investigations through its toll-free line or WhatsApp platforms.
Got a news tip? Please send us an email at info@nairobidaily.com
