By Andrew Kariuki
Residents of Kiambwe village in Ndia, Kirinyaga County, were left in shock after the body of a man was retrieved from a 140-foot well, prompting police to launch a murder investigation.
The deceased was identified as 47 year old David Ngugi Irungu, a worker at a local homestead.
Authorities said the body had visible injuries to the leg and head, raising suspicions of foul play.
According to Kirinyaga-West Police Commander Luckyton Jos Mudavadi, the victim had earlier been reported missing on February 24, 2026, by the owner of the homestead where he worked, Stephen Muriuki, a Nairobi-based businessman.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the killing may have been carried out by a former employee who had previously been dismissed by Muriuki due to poor performance.
Police say the suspect, believed to be from Karatina in Mathira, Nyeri County, allegedly attacked Irungu after being allowed into the homestead to spend the night.
Detectives handling the case have since reviewed CCTV footage installed at the property, which reportedly helped uncover crucial evidence related to the incident.
The process of retrieving the body proved difficult due to the depth of the well.
Firefighters from the Kirinyaga County Government, led by Peter Muriithi, conducted the complex recovery operation.
Authorities said the well had to be filled with water to facilitate the retrieval of the body.
Meanwhile, residents of Kiambwe village, who were barred from accessing the homestead during the operation, expressed shock and concern over the incident.
“We want to understand what happened; the owner is our neighbour,” said Jane Wangu, a local resident.
Another resident, Eric Waweru, who knew the victim, also expressed disbelief at the incident.
“The owner is my friend; I used to fell his trees when he needed help,” he said.
Police have since launched a manhunt for the suspect, with Commander Mudavadi assuring residents that authorities are actively pursuing the individual.
“We are on him,” Mudavadi said.
The body of the deceased has been transported to Kerugoya Hospital mortuary as investigations continue
