Pastor found dead in suspected suicide

By Kenan Miruka

A pastor was found dead at a footbridge in Gucha District in a suspected suicide.

The pastor, identified as Obiri Rangi, 38, of the General Church of New Jerusalem, Riounde, was found dangling from a rope tied to the footbridge at Keragia Market on Sunday morning.

A Toyota Hilux vehicle belonging to him was found parked by the roadside near the bridge.

The pastor who hails from Nyakeyo in Gucha South District lived at a rented house near Keragia.

Residents reported seeing the body, partially sub-merged in the river water, and reported to the Tendere Sub-Location assistant chief.

Gucha OCPD Richard Ng’etich said no visible injuries were seen on the body.

"We cannot suspect murder as there are no visible injuries on the body. Our preliminary investigations point to a suicide but further inquiry will be conducted to establish the truth," said Mr Ng’etich.

Police moved the body to Hema Hospital Mortuary, pending autopsy and further investigations.

Separately, police in Kenyenya District have recovered 215 stones of bhang with an estimated street value of Sh107,000.

APs attached to the DC’s office, acting on a tip-off, ambushed the home where the drug was hidden and arrested a woman but her accomplice escaped. The bhang had been packed in carton boxes and stashed in a gunny bag.

"Investigations indicate the suspect bought the bhang from Tarime in Tanzania and was to transport it to Kayole in Nairobi, by public transport. This is the second time she has been arrested with bhang," Mr Kaimba told The Standard.