A nine-year-old girl who disappeared in Mathira was found murdered, a case that has left residents in shock and reignited worries about child safety locally.
Shantel Waruguru was reported missing when she didn’t come home, setting off a worried search by family and neighbors.
The search turned awful hours later when her body was found in a pit latrine. The community is devastated.
Police at the scene verified that the child was killed before her body was put in the latrine.
The area is now a crime scene as detectives try to piece together the events leading to her death.
The police report that a suspect has been arrested regarding the murder. Investigators say the suspect lured Shantel with ten shillings to buy sweets just before she vanished. The suspect is in custody while the investigation continues.
Residents remember Shantel as a happy, innocent child whose life ended violently and too soon. Many gathered near the scene, some crying, as police investigated.
Area parents are scared and angry, demanding justice and better child protection.
Police say they’re handling the case urgently and will investigate completely to bring those responsible to justice.
They’re asking anyone who saw Shantel the day she went missing to share what they know.
As the investigation proceeds, Shantel’s family is grieving a terrible loss. Her death draws attention to the risks children face and the need for communities to stay alert.
The suspect is still in custody as police get ready to present their findings in court.
