Detectives investigate suspected murder of Juja farm caretaker

The deceased, identified as Michael Kanyeria, was discovered on Tuesday evening by his brother, Robert Irungu Maina, who had gone to visit him at his residence and workplace.

According to Juja Sub-County Police Commander Isaac Kombo, Maina entered the compound and found his brother unresponsive in a makeshift kitchen. He immediately reported the incident to officers at Juja Farm Police Station.

A team of detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Juja, accompanied by police officers, visited the scene and found Kanyeria's body lying in a supine position, with a polythene sack covering his head.

Preliminary examination of the body revealed a fresh, deep open wound at the back of the head, as well as bruises around the neck.

Investigators said there were no immediate signs of a struggle or disturbance at the scene, raising suspicion that Kanyeria may have been attacked by surprise from behind.

Police suspect the assailant or assailants may have used a blunt or sharp object to inflict the fatal injuries before covering the victim's head and fleeing the scene.

The suspected murder weapon was not recovered.

The owner of the property, Esther Muthoni Wainaina, told detectives she was shocked by the incident and was unaware of any possible motive for the killing.

Wainaina, who resides in Ruiru, said Kanyeria had no known land or property disputes and had never reported receiving threats to his life.

Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) officers processed and documented the scene as detectives began efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the killing and identify the suspect or suspects.

Kanyeria's body was later moved to the General Kago Morgue in Thika, where it is being preserved pending an autopsy.

DCI officers in Juja are continuing with investigations to establish the motive and apprehend those responsible.