Police in Nyeri are investigating the death of 9-year-old Shantel Waruguru Kagema, who was found murdered on February 10, 2026.
According to reports, the deceased disappeared on February 8, 2026, from her mother’s compound before she was found dumped in a pit latrine.
It was later reported that the prime suspect, identified as Njuguna, their neighbor, lured the victim’s sister by giving her Ksh 10 to go and buy sweets.
He then took advantage of the minor before strangling her to death.
According to the police, Njuguna cut Shantel in two halves so her body could fit in the latrine. Her parents revealed that they left for work in the morning and, on returning, they were informed about her disappearance.
A search was launched, and on February 9, 2026, they found her panty and a male boxer near the home of the prime suspect.
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations visited the scene and arrested the suspect, who was taken in for questioning.
He led DCI to the scene where he dumped the body, which was recovered from the latrine.
Her death comes at a time when the rising cases of disappearance and murder of children have caught the attention of the residents.
According to reports, over 4 girls have been killed in a similar manner.
