Probe as mutilated body of Sharon Atieno, 19, dumped in Kiambaa banana plantation

Police in Kiambaa, Kiambu County, are investigating the murder of 19-year-old Sharon Atieno, also known as Nicole, who was killed hours after leaving her house for a stroll.

The badly mutilated body of Sharon was discovered on Friday, November 8, 2024, in a banana plantation in Banana area. 

Sharon is said to have left her residence in Thindigwa, Karuri, at 10 p.m. on Thursday to make a phone call. She was also taking a walk, ostensibly for a breath of fresh air, leaving her roommate behind.

Her friend, Shallet Vudembu, tried to reach her later but received no response. The next time Shallet saw Sharon was on a banana plantation in Gachorwe village, Kiambaa.

"The previous day alikuwa ananiambia the mother passed at a time like this and it was the worst month for her because it's the same month mamake alipass. That’s the only problem nlikua najua ako nayo," said Vudembu.

Fredrick Njiraini Kimani, the owner of the farm where Sharon's body was discovered, recollects how he found her lifeless body.

"Kuja kuangalia, nikakuja nikatazama msichana nikapata hakuna mahali anahema, nikapata ashauliwa," Kimani explained.

Investigators are pursuing leads through Sharon's last communications and her M-Pesa transactions.

"We are analyzing forensically the phone and other essential investigation leads, and at the moment, the matter is under investigation," Kiambaa OCPD Pius Mwathi said.

An autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday, November 13, 2024, to determine the cause of death, marking the beginning of the family's quest for justice.

"Sasa tunaomba tu kama haki itapatikana, sasa tumewachia DCI," Sharon's uncle Michael Olewe stated.

Over 97 femicide cases have been reported by government institutions in the last three months.

The death of Sharon Atieno adds to the growing statistics, highlighting the slow progress in investigating and prosecuting perpetrators.