'I just hated her': Mystery of teen suspected to have murdered toddler on church grounds

Police in Nakuru are holding a teenager suspected to have murdered three-year-old Margaret Wanjiru at PCEA Mchanganyiko Church grounds in Bahati.

CCTV footage seen by Mtaa Wangu shows the 17-year-old walking hand in hand with Wanjiru to a secluded area behind the church.

There, she kneels down and strangles the child using a piece of cloth. After the act, she stands, gazes at the child and walks back to the church.

Speaking to Mtaa Wangu, Wanjiru’s mother, Regina Wangui Mwangi, says on that fateful day, she had left home around 10 am with Wanjiru and her older son for the Sunday service.

During the service, she gave Wanjiru five shillings to buy a sweet, after which the young girl returned and joined her mother in a health activity session organized by the church.

“We did a few stretches together and then she wandered off. I didn’t think too much of it since I though she is probably just playing with other kids,” Wangui recalls.

However, Wangui panicked when the service ended at 1 pm and could not find Wanjiru anywhere.

“Moments later, I heard some men talking outside the church fence, saying there was a child lying motionless on the ground. I rushed to the scene only to find my daughter unconscious.”

Wangui continues, “She was drooling and had soiled herself. I immediately took her to Kenlands Hospital, but doctors pronounced her dead on arrival. Joined by my brother we then took her body and transferred it to PNN Funeral Home."

Mtaa Wangu has learnt that it was the information gathered from Sunday school teachers and the CCTV footage that helped police to trace the suspect to her home, where she was arrested. 

Later that day, Wangui accompanied officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to the crime scene and reviewed CCTV footage from the church and neighboring homes. 

“The most painful part was watching the suspect calmly return to the church amid the ongoing panic as people searched for my child,” she says sobbing.

When Wangui saw the teen at the Police station, she asked why she had committed the heinous act to which the suspect said, “I just hated her.”

The family is now demanding justice for their daughter, who they say was full of life and had a bright future ahead.

Shiro’s teacher, Esther Muchemi, described her as a lively and brilliant child.

 “She is my student at playgroup and had joined school at the beginning of the year. Her death has shocked us,” she says.

Chege Wagura, a neighbour called for a thorough investigation into the sad ordeal. 

“We need answers, not just for this family, but for the safety of all children in our community,” he firmly states.

Bahati Sub-county Police Commander Lilies Wachira confirmed the arrest, stating that the suspect is in custody and under investigation by DCI detectives. 

She added that the minor is considered a child in need of care and protection, and will undergo a mental assessment before legal proceedings commence.