Who killed Seth Nyakio? Kirinyaga MCA seeks answers over her daughter’s death

The family of Lucy Njeri, a Nominated Member of County Assembly (MCA) from Kirinyaga, is in mourning following the tragic death of her 23-year-old daughter, Seth Nyakio.

Nyakio, a recent graduate of Zetech University, was found murdered at her home in Thika’s Biafra area on October 14, 2024. Preliminary police investigations suggest that she was strangled, with authorities eyeing a former boyfriend as a possible suspect in the case.

Njeri, in an emotional tribute, remembered her daughter as “lovable, charming, and deeply respectful.” She shared that Nyakio connected with everyone, and that “she was always my biggest supporter, even during my campaign journey.”

Speaking to Citizen Digital, the politician noted that Nyakio had last communicated with her over the weekend, sending updates and photos as she swam with friends in Thika. But when she failed to check in later that night, Njeri grew concerned.

“She always updated me, and when her phone rang unanswered, I feared the worst,” said Njeri. Tragically, her fears were realised when a friend called with the news of her daughter’s death.

The family managed to locate the car Nyakio had used, parked in the Biafra area of Thika, but frustrations grew as they learnt her body had been registered as ‘unknown’ at the local mortuary, despite being identified by a friend at the police station.

“We were not even taken to the scene where she was found. I don’t understand why this happened,” Njeri remarked, questioning the handling of the case.

Njeri voiced concerns about the pace and thoroughness of the investigation, calling for accountability.

"Authorities have not yet made any arrests, and the police at Thika station kept on treating the matter as if they were trying to hide something. Why are they not keen on arresting the friend who was last seen with her for questioning? Why haven’t they released my daughter’s phone? Why were Nyakio’s clothes dipped in water at the police station? I need to know what happened to my daughter,” she lamented.

“Someone out there knows what happened. We must confront these cases of mysterious deaths. It is high time we take these mysterious deaths as a matter of great concern. Where are things going wrong? Who is not doing their work? If we do not do anything, evil doers will overcome our country.”

The autopsy revealed that Nyakio died from strangulation, with evidence suggesting an assault prior to her death.

Bruises were found on her neck, cheeks, thighs, and other areas, indicating that she likely fought her attacker. Investigators are still piecing together the details of the tragic incident as the family and community continue to seek justice for Nyakio.