Residents of Muthiga Village in Salgaa, Rongai Sub-County, Nakuru County, are struggling to come to terms with a chilling murder that has claimed the lives of an elderly couple known for their quiet and peaceful life.
The victims, identified as Joseph Kihiti, 90, and his wife Bethrosa Wanjiku, 63, were discovered dead inside their home on Sunday morning, their bodies bearing signs of extreme violence.
According to local authorities, Kihiti’s body was found lying on a bed inside the main house, while his wife’s body was discovered in the living room. Both victims appeared to have been attacked with a blunt object.
The grim discovery was made after church members and neighbors decided to check on the couple when they failed to attend Sunday service — something that had never happened before.
“Church members and residents visited the home and found the front door locked. At the back, we were greeted by a pool of blood and an open door,” said Area Chief Stephen Nderitu, who was among the first to arrive at the scene.
The Rongai Sub-County Criminal Investigations Officer, Donata Atieno, confirmed the incident, saying preliminary findings suggest the murders may have occurred on Friday evening, but the bodies were only discovered two days later.
“From the state of decomposition and blood patterns, we believe the couple was attacked sometime late Friday night. Investigations are ongoing to establish the motive,” she said.
The couple, who lived alone on their small farm, were described by neighbors as humble, hardworking, and deeply religious. No signs of forced entry were found, and nothing appeared to have been stolen from the house — raising questions about the motive behind the killings.
“They never quarreled with anyone. They kept to themselves and mostly spent their days tending their small garden,” said a neighbor, Mary Wairimu.
Police recovered several items from the crime scene, including blood-stained bedding and a heavy blunt object believed to be the murder weapon. Forensic experts have taken samples for analysis.
Meanwhile, the couple’s family is in disbelief. Their son, John Njogu, struggled to contain his grief as he spoke to reporters.
“Why would anyone think of taking my father’s life at such an age? He was old and frail — he could barely walk without help,” he said tearfully.
The murders have sent shockwaves throughout the quiet farming village, where residents now say they fear for their safety.
“We are terrified. If such a thing can happen to the elderly in their own home, then none of us are safe,” said another resident, who asked not to be named.
Police have appealed to anyone with information to come forward, promising that every lead will be pursued.
“We are treating this as a serious and isolated case. Our teams are already analyzing call logs, CCTV footage from nearby shops, and interviewing close associates of the family,” said Atieno.
The bodies of the deceased were moved to the Nakuru County Referral Hospital Mortuary for postmortem examination as detectives continue to piece together what happened.
As investigations continue, the community is calling for increased police patrols and lighting in the area, citing rising insecurity in parts of Salgaa and Rongai over the past few months.
“This tragedy must not go unresolved. These were innocent, elderly people who deserved protection,” said a local pastor, Rev. Samuel Kariuki.
The double murder adds to a growing number of violent incidents reported in Nakuru County this year, prompting renewed calls for community policing and faster police response to rural distress calls.
