The search for a 32-year-old bodaboda operator who disappeared in Murang'a County on June 24 has ended in horror after his mutilated body was recovered from a river, with several body parts missing in what police describe as a barbaric and premeditated killing.
The body of James Wanjau Gichuhi, popularly known as Jimmy Katta, bore chilling signs of extreme violence. His remains had been dismembered into three part the head, torso and legs while his hands, tongue, eyes and genitals were missing.
The torso and legs were discovered on July 12, while the head was recovered the following day from the same river, about four kilometres from his home in Gikaimbura village.
The gruesome discovery plunged the village into mourning with dozens of residents gathering at Iringiro River, where the remains were retrieved.
“It is traumatising. The discoveries happened within just 14 hours of each other," said the deceased's friend, Stephen Muiru.
Muiru described Gichuhi as humble, polite and peace-loving saying he could not comprehend the brutality of his death.
Before his disappearance, Gichuhi worked as a boda boda rider in Githumu town.
The chairman of the local bodaboda association Francis Gitau said members believe the manner in which the body was mutilated raises disturbing questions about the motive.
“Where killers take time to cut a victim into pieces and disappear with some body parts points to something beyond ordinary crime. We hope the police arrest those responsible so the motive behind this murder becomes known," he said.
Mr Gitau said fellow riders had remained hopeful that Gichuhi would be found alive until two men searching for trees to buy stumbled upon his decomposing remains in the secluded area and alerted residents.
He added that although five boda boda riders in the area have lost motorcycles to robbers in the past six months, none had previously been killed.
Gichuhi was reported missing at Githumu Police Station on June 28 under Occurrence Book reference 05/28/6/2026 after failing to return home.
James Wanjau Gichuhi whose mutilated body was recovered dumped in a river.
Photo credit: Pool
Murang'a County Police Commander Cleti Kimaiyo said detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have taken over the investigation although no arrests have been made.
“It is a barbaric murder. We are trying to establish the motive behind such cruelty. It appears to be a clear case of premeditated murder,” Mr Kimaiyo said in an interview.
He said investigators are trying to determine whether the motive was robbery, given that Gichuhi's motorcycle, which was still relatively new, has not been recovered.
“If the intention was simply to steal the motorcycle, why go to the extent of dismembering the body in the manner it was found?” he posed.
According to the police commander, identifying the body was initially difficult because the head was missing. However, relatives recognised the victim through the clothes and shoes he was wearing.
“The remains were taken to Githumu Mission Hospital mortuary. When the head was recovered the following day, the identification became more certain,” he said.
Gichuhi's uncle, John Maina, described him as a calm, respectful and friendly young man whose death had devastated the family.
“We do not want to speculate about what happened. It pains us deeply. We only hope the police get to the bottom of this case and bring everyone involved to justice. We also pray that the missing body parts will be recovered so we can give him a dignified burial,”he said.
Mr Kimaiyo said detectives are analysing his mobile phone records to reconstruct his final movements and identify the person who last contacted him.
James Wanjau Gichuhi whose mutilated body was recovered dumped in a river.
Photo credit: Pool
“We are also trying to recover his motorcycle. We are optimistic that we will solve this case and ensure justice is served,” he said.
A post-mortem examination on Saturdayis expected to establish the exact cause of death and provide further forensic evidence.
Investigators are pursuing several possible motives including violent robbery, revenge, cult-related activity, assassination or a business deal gone wrong.
In the wake of the killing, Mr Kimaiyo said the police would intensify security awareness campaigns among boda boda operators to reduce their vulnerability to crime.
“Our police stations will work closely with boda boda operators to educate them on safety precautions. Many are easily lured by criminals pretending to be customers,” he said.
“More than 95 per cent of serious crimes against boda boda riders occur after 11 pm when even bars have closed. Avoiding late-night trips where possible can significantly reduce the risk,” he said.
