Lawyer’s Death Sparks Murder Probe
In a separate incident, police in Meru County are investigating the discovery of an unidentified woman’s body in the Kathita River in Imenti North Subcounty.
Photo: Courtesy.
By Robert Mutasi
The mysterious death of a Nairobi-based lawyer whose body was discovered outside a residential estate in Athi River has triggered a major homicide investigation, with detectives working to establish who killed him and why.
Police said the victim, identified as 30-year-old advocate Edward Kariuki Muthee, was found lying motionless outside Strawberry Estate in Athi River on Sunday morning after a security guard raised the alarm.
Officers from Athi River Police Station, together with detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and Crime Scene Investigation personnel, responded to the scene and launched an inquiry into what they suspect is a targeted killing.
Investigators said Muthee was the proprietor of Edward Kariuki Law Firm, which operates along Kiambu Road in Nairobi. He lived at Strawberry Estate, where his body was later recovered.
According to preliminary findings, the lawyer left his home around midday on Saturday to attend to personal errands but failed to return. His whereabouts remained unknown until his body was discovered the following morning.
A physical examination at the scene revealed a cut above his right eye and a deep wound at the back of his head. Detectives believe the injuries may have been inflicted with a sharp object, although the exact cause of death will be determined through a post-mortem examination.
Crime scene experts documented the area and collected forensic evidence before the body was transferred to Shalom Community Hospital Mortuary for an autopsy.
Investigators are now reviewing the lawyer’s movements before his disappearance, examining possible surveillance footage from nearby buildings and interviewing witnesses in an effort to reconstruct his final hours.
Police have not established a motive for the killing, and no suspects had been arrested by Monday. Detectives said all possible angles, including robbery, personal differences and professional engagements, remain under investigation.
The case has added to growing concerns over violent crimes targeting professionals, with investigators expected to rely on forensic analysis, digital evidence and witness statements to determine what led to the lawyer’s death.
Authorities urged anyone with information that could assist the investigation to report to the nearest police station or contact detectives handling the case.
In a separate incident, police in Meru County are investigating the discovery of an unidentified woman’s body in the Kathita River in Imenti North Subcounty.
According to police, residents spotted the body floating in the river at about 6 a.m. on Sunday and retrieved it before notifying authorities.
Officers who visited the scene estimated the woman was between 30 and 35 years old. A preliminary examination found crab bite marks on her face, injuries police believe occurred after the body had been in the water. No identification documents were recovered.
Crime scene investigators processed the scene before the body was taken to Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital Mortuary, where it is awaiting identification and a post-mortem examination.
Police have appealed to members of the public with missing relatives or any information that could help identify the woman to come forward as investigations continue into both incidents.
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