A sombre mood has engulfed Leleshwa village in Kasambara, Gilgil sub county of Nakuru County following the death of a 12-year-old girl Jasmine Njoki Wambugu.

The lifeless body of Jasmine was found by locals in a thicket after reports of her missing went around on Tuesday afternoon.

Preliminary reports indicate that the deceased was defiled before being murdered.

Jasmine Njoki's body was found in a thicket after she went missing on Tuesday.

Photo credit: COURTESY

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The 12-year-old and a firstborn in her family was a grade 6 pupil at Roots academy in Greenstead estate.

Speaking to Mtaa Wangu at their home in Kasambara, the family that is yet to come to terms with the demise of their daughter revealed that Jasmine always came home on her own after being dropped by the school bus at 4pm some 800m to their home near a railway line that passes through the area.

An emotional Jasmine's father Mr. Francis Wambugu says he had the last conversation with his daughter on Sunday evening and she was jovial and in good health.

Mr. Wambugu who looked perturbed with deep thoughts is now calling on the police to expedite investigations and bring to book all those who might have had a hand in the sudden demise of his daughter.

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Grandmother and father of Jasmine Njoki display her photo at their home in Kasambara village on September 20, 2023.

Photo credit: PRISTONE MAMBILI/MTAA WANGU

"I don't have much to say. My appeal is to the investigating officers to expedite the process so that we can know who were behind this," he said.

Jasmine's mother Trizah Wangari is still in shock over the incident and did not show up for the interview.

This even as neighbours and locals describe the deceased as a jovial daughter whom the family had great hopes in.

Locals led by James Mutugi and Xaveria Wanjiku have also called for the enhancement of police patrols in the area to avert such incidents.

According to them, the nearest police stations are far leaving the area vulnerable to such incidents as a similar incident happened some years ago where a woman was raped, murdered and her body dumped in a nearby bush.

The locals now want a police post established at the office of the area Chief.

They say with the huge thicket in the vicinity, some criminals might be taking advantage of this to attack innocent people.

"We need to have a police post and enhanced police patrols in this area," stated the locals.

On his part, Gilgil sub county Police Commander Mr. Francis Tumbo in a phone interview termed the incident unfortunate.

He was however quick to note that the matter is already under investigation to ascertain what transpired and that the culprits be brought to book.

"We are aware of the matter and what I can assure you is that investigations are on," stated the SCPC.

The officer at the same time has called on parents to ensure safety of their children especially those in day schools.

Area MP Martha Wangari taking to her official Facebook page termed the death of the young one as unfortunate.

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She added that her office is working closely with investigators to ensure justice for the family.

The body of the deceased is lying at Gilgil mortuary awaiting post-mortem as the family commences burial arrangements.

pmambili@gmail.com

12-year-old girl found murdered in Gilgil, body dumped in thicket

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Pristone Mambili