Police have arrested a 17-year-old girl in connection with the gruesome murder of three-year-old Margaret Wanjiru Kirathe, who was found strangled near a church in Nakuru.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed Monday that the suspect was apprehended in Judea Village, Menengai sub-location, following swift police action and critical intelligence.
The chilling incident unfolded during a church service at PCEA Shalom Mchanganyiko Church, where the toddler had accompanied her family. Witnesses reported that Margaret went missing during the gathering, prompting a frantic search by congregants.
Her body was discovered just 50 metres from the church compound, unresponsive. She was rushed to hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.
Preliminary investigations revealed the suspect allegedly lured the young girl to a secluded area before strangling her with a piece of cloth. Detectives are still working to determine the motive behind the heinous act.
“This was a calculated and heartless crime,” the DCI said in a statement, adding that CCTV footage from nearby buildings was instrumental in identifying the suspect. The footage captured her movements before and after the crime.
Upon arrest, officers recovered the clothes the girl was seen wearing on the surveillance video, as well as the cloth allegedly used to carry out the strangulation. Both items are being held as critical evidence.
The suspect is currently in custody and is expected to be arraigned in court once investigations are concluded and charges are filed.
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