Joseph Njoroge Weru has been detained for 30 days by a Nyeri court as the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) ramps up investigations into the brutal killings of two young women.
In a statement posted on its official X account, the DCI described the case as a “chilling series of murders” allegedly executed in a calculated manner.
The first victim, 28-year-old Mary Yamasei Merutuni, was reportedly killed on January 17, 2026, after leaving her rented house in Naro Moru. Detectives say Weru lured her to a picnic in the Karogoto area of Nyeri County, where she was allegedly ambushed near a hiking trail by Karogoto Stream.
“The suspect allegedly got behind her and struck her repeatedly on the back of the head, killing her, before dragging her body and dumping it in Karogoto Stream in a bid to conceal the crime,” the DCI said. Locals discovered her body the following day and alerted police. Investigators also recovered a blood-stained stick believed to be the murder weapon. Weru is further accused of stealing household items from Merutuni’s home and selling them at a second-hand shop.
The second victim, 22-year-old Beatrice Nyawira Nyokabi, a barber, was allegedly lured for a hike near the Gura River on January 24, 2026. Investigators say she was ambushed in a manner similar to the first killing, with her body later found in Ithekahuno Village on February 12, 2026. Her right hand was missing, and detectives later recovered a decomposed arm believed to belong to her.
Following his arrest on February 13 and arraignment on February 16, Weru reportedly led officers to key locations including the victims’ residences, a hostel room, and a furniture shop where stolen items were sold. CCTV footage is said to corroborate witness accounts.
The DCI stated that investigations remain ongoing to determine whether additional victims may be linked to Weru. Members of the public with information on missing persons in Nyandarua County, Nakuru County, Nyeri County, Laikipia County, and Juja are urged to report to the nearest police station.
