The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has confirmed the arrest of 17-year-old Lizz Njeri Mwangi, the prime suspect in the chilling murder of three-year-old Margaret Wanjiru Kirathe in Menengai, Nakuru County.
In a statement shared on their official X page, DCI revealed that young Margaret was found unconscious near the PCEA Shalom Mchanganyiko Church.
Concerned members of the public alerted authorities, but despite swift efforts to save her, she was pronounced dead upon arrival at Kenlands Hospital.
“17-year-old Lizz Njeri Mwangi has been apprehended as the prime suspect in the horrific murder of 3-year-old Margaret Wanjiru Kirathe that unfolded in Menengai, Nakuru County,” the statement read.
SUSPECT BEHIND BRUTAL MURDER OF 3-YEAR-OLD MARGARET KIRATHE NABBED
17-year-old Lizz Njeri Mwangi has been apprehended as the prime suspect in the horrific murder of 3-year-old Margaret Wanjiru Kirathe that unfolded in Menengai, Nakuru County.
This is after officers received a…— DCI KENYA (@DCI_Kenya) June 23, 2025
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect allegedly lured the child from the church to a secluded location, where she strangled her with a piece of cloth. The motive behind the gruesome act remains unclear.
“Officers received a disturbing report about a young child found unconscious approximately 50 meters from PCEA Shalom Mchanganyiko Church. Unfortunately, despite swift action, the child was pronounced dead upon arrival at Kenlands Hospital,” DCI stated.
Following intelligence leads, police launched an operation and arrested the suspect at her home in Judea Village, Menengai Sub-location, within Kiamaina Ward.
Upon arrest, officers recovered clothing the suspect was allegedly wearing at the time of the incident—captured on CCTV footage—as well as the piece of cloth used in the attack.
“The motive, however, is yet to be established,” the agency added.
Lizz Njeri Mwangi is currently in police custody and is undergoing processing ahead of her arraignment.
