Man linked to rape of woman, 23, to face murder charges

Kirinyaga East Sub-County Police Commander Johnson Wachira confirmed the incident on Tuesday, saying that the woman, 23, was found unconscious on a coffee plantation in Kegwa Village after the alleged sexual assault.

She was rushed to Kerugoya County Referral Hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.

The suspect, identified only as "Rasta," was reportedly attacked by angry residents before police officers intervened and rescued him. He was later taken to Kianyaga Police Station, where he remains in custody pending arraignment.

According to the victim's mother, her daughter had spent the past week visiting an aunt in Kegwa Village.

Residents said the victim had visited the suspect, whom they described as her friend, before he allegedly took her to his house. She was later found on a nearby coffee plantation in critical condition.

"The two were friends and were known to use drugs," alleged resident Peter Ndiga.

The victim's family described the attack as brutal.

"We were informed by doctors that she had been raped and sodomized," said the mother. "My daughter was only 23 years old. She leaves behind two children, aged four and two, who are now under my care."

Residents and family members have questioned whether the suspect acted alone, citing the severity of the injuries sustained by the victim.

"Considering the extent of the injuries, we suspect there could have been other people involved," some residents said.

Residents also expressed concern over rising cases of drug abuse among young people in the area, which they say is contributing to an increase in crime.

"There is a serious drug abuse problem among our youth," said resident Lucy Wanjiru. "Many young people are getting involved in drugs at a very early age, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to address the problem."

Police said investigations into the incident are ongoing.