Residents of Nyamira and Homa Bay counties have been left stunned following the brutal murder of 20-year-old Faith Kemunto Obino, whose mysterious disappearance a month ago ended in tragedy.
Kemunto, a promising young woman set to join Machakos University in September, vanished from her parents’ home in Maosi village, Nyamira County. Her sudden disappearance sparked panic, with her phone switched off and her family unable to reach her.
After the family reported the matter to Nyamusi Police Station, the case took a chilling twist. Days later, Kemunto’s brother received disturbing text messages sent from her phone. Investigators later established that the messages had come from her boyfriend, identified as Gideon Makori.
In one shocking message, Makori demanded Sh500 from the family. When the request was ignored, he sent another text, this time confessing that Kemunto had been killed and buried. He even included directions to the burial site at a quarry in Ekerenyo.
The family, accompanied by police officers, rushed to the site. They found clothing believed to belong to Kemunto and a foul smell that confirmed their worst fears. The area was immediately secured as a crime scene.
On Thursday morning, DCI detectives and public health officers exhumed a decomposing body believed to be Kemunto’s. A post-mortem will officially confirm her identity, though preliminary findings strongly point to her.
Her devastated family described her as hardworking and full of promise. Her mother recalled cautioning her to focus on her studies instead of relationships, advice that now weighs heavily on her heart.
Meanwhile, detectives have launched a manhunt for Makori, who remains on the run. Authorities have assured the grieving family and residents that those behind the heinous act will be arrested and prosecuted.
The murder of Faith Kemunto has reignited concerns over the dangers young women face in abusive and toxic relationships, serving as yet another painful reminder of the price of misplaced trust.
