National Police Officers in Nakuru County have arrested Lizz Njeri Mwangi, a 17-year-old girl in connection with the brutal killing of 3-year-old Margaret Wanjiru Kirathe, a case that has left the Menengai community reeling in shock.
According to a statement by the Directorate of Criminal investigations (DCI), the officers acting on intelligence launched an operation in Judea Village, Menengai Sub-Location, within Kiamaina Ward which led to her arrest.
”17-year-old Lizz Njeri Mwangi has been apprehended as the prime suspect in the horrific murder of 3-year-old Margaret Wanjiru Kirathe,” DCI confirmed.
Prior to Njeri’s arrest, officers were able to retrieve baby Wanjiru near PCEA Shalom Mchanganyiko Church.
“Officers received a disturbing report about a young child found unconscious approximately 50 meters from PCEA Shalom Mchanganyiko Church,” the statement from DCI read.
Police however confirmed the child was pronounced dead upon arrival at Kenlands Hospital with preliminary investigations revealing she died of strangulation.
Authorities believe that Lizz Njeri lured little Margaret away from the church to a secluded area where she allegedly strangled the child using a piece of cloth. The motive behind this attack remains unclear.
As Njeri remains in custody “undergoing processing pending arraignment,” investigations are ongoing to determine the motive behind this killing.
Meanwhile officers recoverd a number of items from the suspect that will be used as exhibit during her arraignment.”Upon arrest, officers recovered the clothes the suspect wore during the commission of the offence as captured on CCTV, as well as the piece of cloth used to commit the heinous act,” said the police.
Margaret Wanjiru’s death comes just a few days after the death of another teenager, 19-year old Whiteny Atieno who was shot dead by a police officer on June 12 2025 in Lake View Estate, Nakuru, sparking national outrage.
