Teenager in Murang'a lynched by mob after defiling and strangling 12-year-old girl to death

A 17-year-old form one student at Gituto Secondary School, Duncan Wakahiu was on Tuesday, April 10 lynched by a mob in Murang’a after he allegedly defiled and strangled a 12-year old girl, Jecinta Wambugu, to death with a tie.

The victim’s body was found hidden under Duncan’s bed by the residents, who hunted him, eventually stoning him to death before setting his body on fire.

According to accounts from the residents, Duncan called Jecinta to his place as she was headed to the shopping then in the company of her friends. According to Jecinta’s grandmother, Duncan wanted her to help him load some stuff.

The grandmother also said that Duncan asked the other children to leave as he assured them that he would get Jecinta home safely.

“The student then asked other children to leave, saying he would ensure she gets home,” said the grandmother.

As soon as Jecinta’s younger sister got home, the children informed her about her sister’s whereabouts. The sister, in the grandmother’s company along with other villagers, went to Duncan’s house only to find the door locked.

Jecinta was lying lifeless on the floor.

This immediately prompted a manhunt for the 17-year-old, who was found at his workplace, a nearby construction site.

He was then stoned and his body set on fire by the mob before police could get to him.

“Aggrieved residents searched for the suspect across the ridges where he was killed before the police collected his body,” said one of the residents.

Murang’a acting County Commander of Police David Kandie confirmed that the boy’s body was burnt beyond recognition.

“We have launched investigations to establish the chronology of events and if anyone is found culpable he or she will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” he said.

He then asked the public to avoid taking matters into their own hands, instead report such incidents to the police.

“The public is advised that in future they should take the suspect to the nearest police station instead of taking the law into their hands,” he added.