The postmortem conducted on the body of 12- year-old Mercy Nyambura-Mureithi has established that the Grade Six pupil died from manual strangulation, with doctors also revealing evidence of sexual assault and multiple injuries sustained before her death.

According to the postmortem report, there was extensive trauma on the body, particularly around the neck area, confirming that the young girl had been manually strangled. The examination further established injuries in the genital area consistent with sexual assault.

Pathologist Dr Wangari Wambugu, noted that the victim’s lungs were edematous, (meaning they had accumulated fluid, a condition associated with restricted airflow during strangulation).

In addition, Dr Wangari notes there was a bite mark on the right upper arm, while bleeding under the conjunctiva of the eye was also observed, disputing earlier communication that the girl's eye had been pierced.

Pathologist Dr Wangari Wambugu (centre), in the company of Nyambura's relatives notes that 12 year old Mercy Nyambura Mureithi died of manual stragulation and showed signs of sexual assault during a postmorterm conducted at the Egerton University Mortuary in Njoro on May 21,2026

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHHIA /MTAA WANGU

" I have formed the opinion that that the cause of death was manual strangulation and collected DNA and toxicology samples to support ongoing investigations," Dr Wangari noted

The results came across as Njoro Sub-County Police Commander Stanley Koech revealed that investigators had arrested the suspect linked to Nyambura's murder.

According to Koech, the suspect claims to be a 16-year-old minor but his age is still subject to verification. The suspect was arrested on Wednesday night after investigations by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) led them to Mau Narok where he had gone hiding at his aunt's home.

"The incident occurred on the evening of May 18, 2026, between 3:30 pm and 4pm.Investigators suspect the deceased, a pupil at Sinendet Primary School, was lured and dragged into a maize plantation before being sexually assaulted and killed," Koech noted.

Njoro Sub-County Police Commander Stanley Koech confirms briefing the media on May 21, 2026.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHHIA /MTAA WANGU

According to Koech, from the confession statement the suspect is alleging he was under the influence of witchcraft forces that forced to commit the act. However, Police will continue to look into the finer details to ascertain the motive behind the murder.

He adds that the suspect remains in custody and is expected to be arraigned in court as detectives continue recording witness statements and gathering additional evidence.

Nyambura's uncle Godfrey Maina said the family was content with the postmortem results and they are only hoping that justice will prevail.

" We are shocked by what my niece went through before she was murdered. Being defiled and murdered is a painful death. Her death comes shortly after her grandfather's burial on Friday last week. As a family we have experienced a great loss as a family," Main said as he pleaded for help for burial arrangements.

The family had initially reported Nyambura as a missing person at Naishi Police Station on the morning of May 19, after she failed to return home from school on Monday. Later that afternoon at around 2 pm, the search ended tragically when her body was discovered in a maize farm along the route, she routinely used from school to her home.

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Autopsy reveals 12-year-old Njoro pupil was defiled and strangled

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