Mama mboga’s controversial death in Lanet sparks fears of rising insecurity
Mary Mwihaki-, 60, who was found murdered at her home in Lanet
Fear has gripped residents of Lanet in Nakuru County following the killing of a 60-year-old woman whose body was discovered days after she went missing from her daily routine at the market.
Mary Mwihaki, a well-known vegetable vendor in Kiamunyeki Estate, Bahati Sub-county, was found dead inside her home after neighbors and relatives raised concern over her sudden disappearance. According to residents, Mwihaki had returned home on May 12 after spending the day at work, unaware that it would be her final evening alive.
Family members say the widow spent the evening carrying out her usual household chores before retiring to bed.
Concern began to grow when she failed to report to the market for several days and calls to her mobile phone went unanswered. Neighbors also noticed her house had remained locked for an unusually long period, prompting them to alert local authorities.
The search ended in tragedy on Saturday evening when her lifeless body was discovered inside the house. Police officers from Nakuru North Sub-county later visited the scene and launched investigations into the incident.
Nakuru North Police Commander Charity Karimi says preliminary findings indicated that the deceased had suffered serious injuries. Detectives are also searching for Mwihaki’s 22-year-old son, who had reportedly been living with her but has not been seen since the incident occurred.
“We are appealing to members of the public to share any information that may help investigators trace him so that he can assist with investigations,” says Karimi.
Mwihaki’s body was moved to the Nakuru City Mortuary awaiting a postmortem examination.
The incident has sparked fear among residents who say insecurity cases in Lanet and surrounding areas have been on the rise in recent months. Residents have expressed concern over increasing reports of robberies, violent attacks, and killings.
A relative, Mary Njoki, described the deceased as hardworking and independent despite her age. She said the family was devastated by the loss, especially after Mwihaki lost her husband last year.
“It is painful to lose her in such a cruel manner. She worked hard every day and never depended on anyone,” Njoki says.
Residents are now calling on security agencies to intensify patrols and speed up investigations to restore confidence among locals.
The killing also adds to a growing list of cases involving violence against women reported in Nakuru County in recent months, prompting renewed calls for stronger community protection measures and swift action against perpetrators of violent crimes.