Detectives in Meru County have made a significant breakthrough in the investigation of the murder of 65-year-old Evelyne Mukiri Mbaabu, following the arrest of a prime suspect. Mbaabu was brutally attacked at her home in Kithoka, Imenti East Sub-county, on the evening of August 7, 2026. The tragic incident unfolded as Mbaabu was preparing supper with her 13-year-old grandson. An unknown man entered their compound, approached the kitchen, and requested a glass of drinking water. The situation quickly escalated when the man turned violent, and the young boy heard his grandmother's desperate screams for help. Rushing to the kitchen, he found Mbaabu lying in a pool of blood, a scene that would haunt him for life. The assailant, wielding a panga, also attacked the boy, inflicting a wound on his hand before fleeing the scene.
In the aftermath, Mbaabu was rushed to Grace Park Hospital, but unfortunately, she was pronounced dead on arrival. The brutal nature of the crime sent shockwaves through the local community, prompting an intensive investigation led by detectives from the County Criminal Investigations Office and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Imenti North. Their efforts, which included weeks of forensic analysis and intelligence-gathering, culminated in the arrest of Solomon Kathurima Kairemia on September 21. Kairemia had reportedly abandoned his home and was evading capture by hiding in nearby thickets, just metres from his residence.
During the arrest, detectives recovered a blood-stained panga, believed to be the murder weapon. This crucial piece of evidence was secured for further forensic examination to establish a definitive link to the crime. A police identification parade was conducted, during which Kairemia was positively identified as the suspect responsible for the fatal attack on Mbaabu. Following his arrest, Kairemia was presented before the Meru Law Courts, where investigators successfully obtained a 14-day custodial order. This period will allow them to complete their investigations, including establishing the motive and circumstances surrounding the murder.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has expressed its condolences to Mbaabu's family, acknowledging the profound loss they have suffered. The DCI has assured the public that they will continue to pursue all leads to ensure justice is served. The arrest of Kairemia brings a measure of relief to the community, which has been on edge since the brutal attack, and underscores the commitment of law enforcement agencies to solving heinous crimes and bringing perpetrators to justice.
