Locals at N Ng'ang'a Kiamunyeki area in Nakuru, yesterday took to the streets protesting the murder of three-year-old, Elsie Waithera, whose lifeless body was found dumped in a maize farm.

Residents hold a placard demanding justice for slain three-year-old girl Elsie Waithera during a protest in Kiamunyeki on February 19, 2024.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

When Mtaa Wangu visited Elsie’s home, her grandmother whom she lived with, Naomi Waithera, was too overwhelmed by emotions to speak to us.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Christine Njeri said that Elsie went missing on Saturday February 17, around 11 am, only to be found dead, with indications that she had been raped.

Christine Njeri together with Elsie's grandmother Naomi Waithera during an interview on February 19, 2024.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

Read: Lost Innocence: The agonizing pain of mother whose 12-year-old daughter was defiled, murdered

"Elsie had left home to go and take water to her grandmother who operates a shop approximately 400 meters from where they lived. Since it was hot, her grandmother told her to go home and get a change of clothes into something light. The child left for home. However, she never made it to the house, “she says.

Njeri notes that at around 12pm, Elsie’s uncle went to check up on her at her grandmother’s shop, only to be notified that she went back home immediately she dropped off the water.

Worried where the pp1 child might have gone, the family started to look for her in neighbouring homes, hoping she was somewhere playing with other children.

Elsie's grandmother, Naomi Waithera ,at their home in N Ng'ang'a where her grand daughter was found dead a few metres from their home.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

“We organized ourselves into groups and did rounds in all homes, she was nowhere to be seen. The search now moved from homes to the bushy areas. We did not find her there. As we continued our search in other areas, we heard a loud scream at around 3pm from a farm we had earlier searched,” she explains.

Njeri says responding to the screams, they found Elsie’s lifeless body lying in the corn farm.

Another resident, Magdalene Njoki, shared her concern as a resident, noting that their area has had a surge in insecurity making them live in constant worry.

(In red top) Magdalene Njoki who complained of an up serge of insecurity on N Ng'ang'a area during a protest against the murder of a three-year-old girl in Kiamunyeki on February 19, 2024.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

“This is not the first time such an incident has happened. Back in December 2015, another child was murdered in this area and we feel justice was not served since the culprit is now back in the community. We have school going children who leave for school early in the morning and we are scared for their safety,” she says.

She further mentions that young men have been abusing drugs (Bhang) which she feels has had an impact on their character in society.

She noted that police have been doing nothing to contain the vice and called on them to take action now.

Also Read: Nakuru leaders call for justice as defiled and murdered 12-year old girl is laid to rest

Bonfire lit on the road by residents protesting the murder of three old girl from N Ng'ang'a on February 19, 2024.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

“We will not allow the child to be buried until justice is served. As residents, we are angered and we demand to hear from our leaders and get updates on how far police have gotten in their investigation. We want to see an arrest being made and the culprit facing the law for the gory acts they did to our child,” says Ms Njoki demands

Confirming the incident, Nakuru North sub-county officer in the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) unit, Josephine Wambui, said that they have launched investigations into the matter.

According to her, they have established that the suspect is a known individual in the area and has since gone into hiding after the body was discovered.

Residents of Kiamunyeki protesting the death of three-year-old Elsie Waithera on February 19, 2024.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

“We have recorded statements from residents. What is remaining is making the arrest. We are following leads from our investigations. The suspect is known and very soon he will be apprehended,” says Ms Wambui.

Related: Lost Innocence: The unsettling truth about defilement in Nakuru County

“We understand that the incident has sparked uproar among the residents. We urge them to be patient with us. Soon, the culprit will be arrested,” she said

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