Thursday, October 17,
2024 – Detectives domiciled at
DCI Mbeere South have brought Benson David Mwendwa, a murder suspect before the
Embu High Court to face justice.
Mwendwa is
accused of orchestrating the gruesome murder of Jane Kilonzi, 44, 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.
A meticulous
investigation by detectives revealed that Kilonzi, a widow, had been living on
a farm where her late husband worked as a supervisor.
After the death
of the husband in late 2023, Mwendwa was employed as the farm supervisor and
was housed in one of Kilonzi’s son’s houses.
Though he left
the job after three months, he continued to stay in the house.
 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 the Isakho area.
 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.
After an
intense manhunt, spanning several weeks, Mwendwa was finally apprehended and
arraigned before the Embu High Court where he pleaded not guilty to the
charges.
The suspect is
being detained at Majimbo Prison as the case is scheduled for pre-trials on
November 19, 2024.
The Kenyan DAILY POST.