By Andrew Kariuki
Detectives in Mathira West are investigating the death of nine year old Shantel Waruguru Kagema, whose body was recovered from a pit latrine in Kianjathi village following her disappearance on February 8, 2026.
According to police, Shantel’s parents left home at around 8:00 a.m., leaving her in the company of her four year old sister.
When they returned at approximately 6:30 p.m., they discovered that Shantel was missing and immediately reported the matter to authorities.
A search operation was launched, during which investigators discovered a pair of undergarments and shoes on an old blue mattress inside an abandoned house nearby.
The child’s mother later identified the items as belonging to her daughter.
Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) officers processed the scene and collected the recovered items as exhibits.
Police say investigations led them to a suspect identified as Peter Njuguna, a resident of the same area.
He was arrested and according to detectives, directed officers to a pit latrine where the child’s body was recovered.
With the assistance of members of the public, officers retrieved the body and moved it to a mortuary for preservation and post-mortem examination.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect allegedly lured the younger sibling away from the house before committing the offence.
Authorities say further details will be established through ongoing investigations and forensic analysis.
The suspect was presented in court, where detectives obtained a 21 day custodial order to allow completion of investigations.
Police have assured the public that the matter is being handled with urgency and that those found responsible will face the full force of the law.
Investigations remain ongoing.
