Kirinyaga Man now to face murder accusation after the alleged rape victim dies, while she was still in hospital
A 27-year-old man is set to face a murder charge after a 23-year-old woman who was allegedly sexually assaulted in Kirinyaga County succumbed to her injuries in hospital. Police say investigations are ongoing as family members and residents demand justice and answers over the circumstances leading to her death.
The accused, only referred to as 'Rasta' was beaten by residents of Kirinyaga. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
A 27-year-old man who was arrested over the alleged rape of a 23-year-old woman in Kirinyaga County, is expected to be charged with murder, after the victim died during treatment at hospital.
Kirinyaga East Sub-County Police Commander Johnson Wachira confirmed the matter on Tuesday, saying that the woman was found unconscious on a coffee plantation in Kegwa Village following the alleged attack.
She was then rushed to Kerugoya County Referral Hospital for attention but, later she passed on due to the injuries.
“The victim was found unconscious and taken to hospital for medical attention, where she later passed away,” Wachira said.
The suspect, mentioned only as “Rasta,” was reportedly confronted by angry residents after the incident, before police officers stepped in and rescued him. He was later taken to Kianyaga Police Station, where he continues in custody awaiting arraignment.
From the victim’s family side, it is said the young woman spent the previous week going to visit her aunt in Kegwa Village before everything turned tragic.
Residents told investigators that the victim went to meet the suspect, whom they called a friend. They alleged he then escorted her to his home, and she was later discovered seriously injured, on a nearby coffee plantation.
“The two were friends and were known to associate closely,” resident Peter Ndiga claimed.
The victim’s mother described it all as heartbreaking, and appealed for justice, for her daughter.
“We were informed by doctors that she had been raped and sodomized. My daughter was only 23 years old and leaves behind two young children aged four and two years, who are now under my care,” she said.
Family members and locals also wondered if the suspect acted alone, saying the injuries were too severe.
“Given the extent of the injuries, there are concerns that other individuals may have been involved. We hope investigations will establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident,” some residents said, not sure.
The matter has also brought back fresh anxiety about drug use among young people in the area, with residents saying the escalation is tied to crime and general insecurity.
“There is a serious challenge of drug abuse among the youth. Many young people are becoming involved in drugs at an early age, and the situation is increasingly worrying,” resident Lucy Wanjiru added.
Police have started investigations into the incident, and they are expected to review forensic and witness evidence as the prosecution process begins.
Authorities also called on anyone who might have helpful information to speak up, as detectives work to piece together every detail behind the woman’s death.
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