Missing Embu farmhand allegedly killed by co-worker, buried in shallow grave

A 29-year-old farmhand who had been reported missing in Embu was found buried in a shallow grave within the compound where he worked, in a suspected murder incident that has stunned the local community.

Police say the victim, identified as Lawrence Murimi, is believed to have been killed following a confrontation with a fellow worker before his body was secretly buried in an apparent attempt to conceal the crime.

Confirming the incident, Embu West Sub-County Commander Vincent Kitili said investigations began after the deceased's family reported him missing, prompting detectives to launch a search to establish his whereabouts.

According to Kitili, officers visited the farm where Murimi worked and questioned those living and working at the premises.

During the investigation, detectives noticed that one of the deceased's co-workers had visible injuries, raising suspicion over his possible involvement in the disappearance.

Following intensive interrogation, the suspect, identified as Josphat Kamenju, allegedly confessed to the killing and led detectives to a shallow grave where the victim's body had been buried.

Police said the suspect had planted banana stems over the freshly covered grave in what investigators believe was a deliberate attempt to disguise the burial site and avoid detection.

The body was exhumed in the presence of detectives, crime scene investigators and members of the deceased's family before being taken to Embu Level 5 Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem examination.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect and the deceased lived together at the workplace and had reportedly been involved in a confrontation on the night before the fatal incident.

Kitili assured the public that investigations are ongoing and that the suspect will be arraigned in court upon completion of the investigations. He emphasized that anyone found culpable will face the full force of the law.

The deceased's sister, Margaret Muthoni, described the killing as cruel and heartbreaking, saying the family is devastated by the loss. She appealed to investigators to ensure justice is served and all those responsible are held accountable.

The motive behind the killing is yet to be established. However, the gruesome discovery has sent shockwaves across the area, with residents calling for a speedy investigation and justice for the slain farmhand.