Man arrested for allegedly raping and killing a teacher

A man has been arrested in connection with the rape and murder of a head teacher in Kirinyaga County.

The 20-year-old, said to be a well-known criminal, was arrested at a home near Nyamindi River at Mwanianjau village following a massive manhunt. The teacher was attacked at Kithure village.

The suspect was accosted by the public at around 2pm on Thursday. The angry mob descended on him with kicks and blows before the area chief arrived and took him away.

Ngariama Chief Muchiri Wakaria said: "The public trailed the suspect after spotting him at the market until he entered the home next to the river. They sealed off the area after which they got him out of the house and started beating him up. I was informed of what was happening and rushed to the scene. We later took the suspect to Kianyaga Police Station and handed him over to the officers," he said.

Angry residents went to the police station to demand that the man be handed over to them for "disciplining".

The officers sneaked the suspect out and took him to Kerugoya Police Station, where he is being help pending investigations.

The headteacher, 45-year-old Jane Wanjiru Murenga, was said to have been intercepted and raped as she went to the bathroom. Her assailant later killed her.

The man is suspected to have been involved in the rape of a 70-year-old woman who is still admitted to Karira Mission Hospital in Mwea.