Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Kenya have arrested a prime suspect in connection with the murder of 65-year-old Evelyne Mukiri Mbaabu. The elderly woman was fatally attacked at her home in Kithoka, Imenti East Sub-county, on August 7, 2026. The suspect, identified as Solomon Kathurima Kairemia, was arrested on September 21, 2026, after weeks of forensic analysis and intelligence work by detectives.
According to reports, Mukiri was preparing supper alongside her 13-year-old grandson when an unknown man entered the compound and made his way to the kitchen, asking for water. Shortly after, the boy heard his grandmother cry out for help and rushed to the kitchen to find her bleeding on the floor. The attacker then struck the boy on the hand with a panga before escaping the scene. The woman was rushed to Grace Park Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival.
Following the arrest, detectives recovered a blood-stained panga from the suspect, believed to be the weapon used in the attack. The suspect had abandoned his house and was hiding in nearby thickets when he was arrested. A subsequent police identification parade confirmed that Kairemia was the man responsible for the fatal assault. He was presented before the Meru Law Courts, where investigators were granted a 14-day custodial order to allow the completion of ongoing investigations.
The DCI has conveyed its condolences to the family, friends, and relatives of Mukiri and reaffirmed its commitment to establishing the motive and full circumstances surrounding her death. The investigation aims to ensure that all those found culpable face justice. This arrest comes as a significant breakthrough in the case, bringing hope to the family and the community.
The DCI has been actively working on several high-profile cases, including the murder of city lawyer Kyalo Mbobu in September 2025. In that case, four suspects were arrested, including a police officer who allegedly fired the shot, a boda boda rider who ferried him, and another who surveilled Mbobu before he was shot along Magadi Road. Investigators said the constable's service pistol was linked to the killing by ballistic tests.
The arrest of Kairemia highlights the efforts of the Kenyan police to tackle crime and ensure justice for victims and their families. The DCI's commitment to thorough investigations and pursuit of suspects is evident in this case. The police continue to work tirelessly to unravel the circumstances surrounding Mukiri's death and bring all perpetrators to justice.
The case has garnered attention from the public, with many calling for swift justice for Mukiri and her family. The DCI's announcement of the arrest has brought some closure to the family, who have been seeking answers since the tragic incident. The police will continue to investigate and gather evidence to build a strong case against Kairemia.
Key points
- The suspect, Solomon Kathurima Kairemia, was arrested on September 21, 2026, after weeks of investigation.
- A blood-stained panga was recovered from the suspect, believed to be the weapon used in the attack.
- The DCI has reaffirmed its commitment to establishing the motive and full circumstances surrounding Mukiri's death.
