By Chris David
NAKURU, Kenya —
In a deeply disturbing incident that has shaken the Nakuru community and drawn national attention, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has arrested a 17-year-old girl suspected of murdering a three-year-old child near PCEA Shalom Mchanganyiko Church in the Kenlands area of Nakuru.
The incident occurred on Sunday, June 23, 2025, during a routine church service attended by both children and adults.
According to preliminary investigations, the teenage suspect is believed to have lured the victim, identified as Margaret Kirathe, approximately 50 meters away from the church premises. Once in a secluded area, she allegedly used a cloth to strangle the young girl.
Margaret was found unconscious shortly afterward and rushed to Kenlands Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival. The tragic news spread quickly through the neighborhood, leaving the community reeling with grief and disbelief.
Following a prompt response by local law enforcement and the DCI’s Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB), the teenage suspect was apprehended within hours of the crime.
Authorities confirmed that they recovered the suspected murder weapon—a cloth used in the strangulation—as well as clothing worn by the suspect during the attack. Both items have been taken for forensic analysis.
The motive for the crime remains unclear, but investigators are pursuing multiple leads, including the psychological and social background of the suspect.
Meanwhile, she remains in custody at a Nakuru juvenile holding facility, awaiting further interrogation and processing.
Speaking to the media, DCI officials expressed their condolences to the grieving family and emphasized their commitment to ensuring justice is served.
“This is a senseless and horrific crime. The Directorate is determined to carry out a thorough investigation and ensure that the law takes its full course,” a DCI spokesperson stated.
The case has raised serious concerns about child safety, especially in environments that are traditionally considered secure, such as places of worship.
Community leaders and child protection advocates are now calling for increased vigilance and the implementation of stronger safety protocols in public and religious spaces.
The Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Public Service, Gender, and Affirmative Action have both issued statements condemning the incident and pledging support for the victim’s family.
“We are horrified by this incident and assure the public that every possible measure will be taken to ensure such a tragedy is never repeated,” said a Ministry of Interior spokesperson.
“We have instructed our regional security teams to work with community policing structures to tighten surveillance and child safety in public spaces,” he remarked.
“This heartbreaking loss underscores the urgent need to expand mental health support and social welfare programs for adolescents,” said Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa of the Ministry of Public Service, Gender, and Affirmative Action.
“We are mobilizing counselors to support the affected families and urge the public to remain vigilant and compassionate,” she added.
Psychosocial counseling services have also been made available to those affected by the tragedy.
As the investigation continues, Kenyans from all walks of life have expressed shock and heartbreak on social media, urging authorities to address the broader societal issues that may contribute to such acts of violence.
This case, which follows recent high-profile DCI interventions in child abduction and abuse cases, reinforces the urgent national conversation on child protection, mental health, and youth crime prevention.