Nyeri Police Probe Death of Missing Girl Found in Pit Latrine

Nyeri police are investigating the killing of nine‑year‑old Shantel Waruguru, whose body was found in a pit latrine in Kianjathi village, Mathira West.

Shantel was reported missing on Saturday after her mother left her at home with her younger sister. Neighbours said a relative, 29‑year‑old Peter Njuguna, visited the house and sent the younger child to a shop. When she returned, the house was locked and Shantel was gone.

A search was launched immediately, but for two days residents and police found no trace. On Monday, the girl’s clothes and shoes were discovered in an abandoned house near Njuguna’s home. He was arrested soon afterwards.

By Tuesday morning, suspicion turned to a newly built toilet that had remained locked since the weekend. Villagers broke it open and found Shantel’s body inside, tied with a rope and dismembered. In response, residents set fire to the suspect’s house.

Mathira West sub‑County Police Commander Pixley Musyoki confirmed that investigators had obtained a 14‑day detention order from the Karatina Law Courts. He noted that such crimes are often committed by people known to the victims, urging communities to remain vigilant.

Local residents expressed doubts about the justice system, recalling a similar case seven years earlier.