Kirinyaga: Missing man found dead in River Nyamindi after eight-day search

The body of Andrew Nyaga was recovered on Sunday night, more than four kilometres from his home, according to family members led by his nephew, Joseph Kariuki.

Kariuki said Nyaga had visible injuries on his face and around his eyes, and was missing his right thumb, raising concerns among relatives over the circumstances surrounding his death.

The family suspects Nyaga may have been drowned or killed before his body was dumped in the river, although the circumstances remain unclear.

Nyaga was last seen at Karucho Trading Centre eight days ago, prompting a search by relatives, friends and residents of the surrounding areas.

The family is now calling for a thorough investigation to establish what happened to him and bring those responsible to justice.

“My uncle has left behind his wife, Jane Wanjiku, and two children. We want justice,” the family said.

Residents from Karucho, Kithiga, Mbiri and neighbouring areas expressed shock as the body was retrieved from the river, with some saying they had participated in the search for the missing man.

One of Nyaga’s friends said he had been with him at Karucho Trading Centre before he went missing.

“Nyaga was my friend, and we had been looking for him, as we were with him at Karucho Trading Centre,” the friend said.

Due to the advanced state of decomposition, the body was taken to Kerugoya Hospital Mortuary, where a postmortem examination is expected to be conducted to help establish the cause of death.

Detectives from Kirinyaga East Sub-County have launched investigations into the incident.

The postmortem findings are expected to provide further information as investigators seek to establish the circumstances surrounding Nyaga’s death and determine whether foul play was involved.