Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Mbeere South on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, presented Benson David Mwendwa, a suspect in the brutal murder of 44-year-old widow Jane Kilonzi, before the Embu High Court.
Mwendwa is accused of orchestrating Kilonzi’s gruesome killing on September 25, 2024.
“Her lifeless body was found in a pool of water in Kiambere division of Mbeere South Sub-County, Embu County, bearing severe bruises and with blood streaming from her mouth and nose,” the DCI shared in a post on X, shedding light on the violent end Kilonzi met.
According to the detectives, Kilonzi had been living on a farm where her late husband worked as a supervisor until his death in late 2023.
After his passing, Kilonzi hired Mwendwa as the farm supervisor, and during his employment, he stayed in her son’s house.
Despite leaving the job after three months, the suspect continued to reside in the home, and a relationship between him and Kilonzi developed, which sparked tension within the family.
“During his stay, a relationship blossomed between Mwendwa and Kilonzi, much to the dismay of her son. This disapproval by the son led to Mwendwa’s eviction from the house, forcing him to find accommodation in Isakho area,” the DCI explained, offering context to the events leading up to the fatal confrontation.
On the fateful night, police said the suspect returned to Kilonzi’s homestead, shared supper with her, and insisted on staying the night, despite her objections.
A violent altercation ensued when Kilonzi suggested that he sleep in her son’s house as before.
“On September 25, 2024, Mwendwa returned to the homestead and shared supper with Kilonzi. After supper, he insisted on spending the night in Kilonzi’s house where she refused, suggesting he sleep in her son’s house as before.
“A heated argument ensued, culminating in Mwendwa striking Kilonzi on the head, knocking her unconscious. He then dragged her to the nearby Ciakarigu River, where he continued his brutal assault before leaving her for dead and watching over her all night,” the DCI disclosed in their detailed account of the tragic incident.
After weeks of investigations and an intense manhunt, Mwendwa was finally arrested and arraigned in court, where he pleaded not guilty to the charges.
He is currently detained at Majimbo Prison as the case is set for pre-trial hearings on November 19, 2024.
