Beth Muthoni’s pilgrimage to Thiririka Shrine on January 16, in search of tranquillity and communion with her Creator through prayer, ended tragically when she was raped and murdered.
When Muthoni failed to return home as scheduled on January 17, her relatives and friends began searching for her in the prayer caves located at the shrine. Her mission had been to fast and pray for 24 hours.
“It was in those caves that we stumbled upon her body, which had been decapitated, and four of her upper front teeth were missing,” said Mr John Mwangi, the family’s spokesman.
Muthoni, a single mother of two - a 26-year-old son and a 10-year-old daughter - hailed from Kagumo-ini village.
Mr Mwangi said evidence suggested the woman had been dragged across a hard surface, leaving her body covered with bruises. She was sexually assaulted before being beheaded, and her teeth were forcibly removed, according to him.
“The head had been wedged between large rocks inside the caves... Flies led us to it,” he said.
According to an incident report filed with the Kiambu County Security Committee, Muthoni’s death has been classified as a homicide.
“The discovery of the body three days later indicates she was attacked in the caves, assaulted and subsequently beheaded,” the report reads.
A police report seen by the Nation describes the manner of death as gruesome: “The body had visible injuries, including a broken front jaw, a fractured left hand, and a cracked skull.” The report speculates she may have fallen off a cliff, resulting in an immediate death.
However, the family disputes the police angle.
Mr Anthony Wataku, the deceased’s father, insists his daughter was murdered.
“We found drugs near her body, and the postmortem report indicates she was struck on the head with a blunt object, cracking her skull. My daughter was stupefied and deliberately killed,” he said.
The postmortem conducted at Kenyatta University Funeral Home revealed the fatal head injury was inflicted at close range.
Ms Ann Wanjiku, Muthoni’s sister, also rejected the police version of events. She explained that visiting Thiririka Caves for prayer had been a regular practice for her sister.
“Let the police not mislead you. My sister was deliberately murdered. She was a harmless and devout person,” said Wanjiku.
“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has taken over the investigation. They have visited the scene, collected evidence, and taken samples for forensic analysis. We anticipate resolving this incident soon,” he said.
The preliminary scene-of-crime report describes the visible injuries as blunt force trauma to the head, a severed neck, and multiple bruises on the body. The report also mentions the presence of an empty bottle near the body containing a substance suspected to have been used to incapacitate Muthoni before her murder.
Thiririka Shrine, situated on a three-acre plot near Thiririka River, attracts vulnerable individuals and devoted prayer warriors from nearby counties, who come to fast and pray.
Neighbour Josephine Karanja explained that the caves have become a sacred site for Christians of various denominations. “These historical caves have been transformed into holy grounds where Christians gather daily for prayer and fasting,” she said.
Despite its spiritual significance, the area has been flagged as a hotspot for criminal activity. In 2015, the government temporarily banned activities at the shrine after an increase in incidents involving cattle rustlers, drug dealers, and other criminals.
Local senior chief John Muiru has urged caution, advising visitors not to frequent the shrine alone or at night due to the lack of electricity and the area’s reputation as a safe haven for criminals.
“She had been praying in the caves for 24 years, dedicating a Thursday each month to fasting and prayer. She had called me the day before her pilgrimage, saying she wanted to pray for breakthroughs for her children and the country,” said Bishop Wairimu.
Pastor James Githinji Waihuni, a long-time spiritual partner, recalled her unwavering support.
“Beth was not just a prayer partner; she was my support system. Her demise has left me shattered. I will miss our moments of fasting and prayer,” he said, breaking down in tears.
“Who would commit such a heinous act in a place of worship? The government must answer for the lack of security at this sacred site,” he said.
Pastor Daniel Ngao, who had been friends with Muthoni for 20 years, shared his grief.
“I feel emotionally devastated. Beth, I will always remember our shared prayers and fasting sessions. Rest in eternal peace, my friend.”
