A suspected case of murder disguised as suicide has rocked Mukithi village in Baricho, Kirinyaga County, after the body of a bodaboda rider was discovered hanging from a tree under suspicious circumstances.
The deceased, identified as Godfrey Kinyua Nguru, 28, was found on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, by villagers who quickly alerted local authorities. Upon investigation, police established that the scene had been staged to appear as a suicide, while the actual murder likely occurred elsewhere.
“There were visible injuries on the right wrist and neck, inconsistent with hanging. We believe he was murdered and brought to the scene to mislead investigators,” a police officer said.
Kinyua’s motorcycle was found abandoned about 200 meters from the tree where his body was discovered, further raising suspicions about the true nature of the incident.
The body was taken to Kerugoya Referral Hospital mortuary, where a post-mortem examination will be conducted to determine the exact cause and time of death.
Residents of Mukithi village were left stunned and shaken by the grim discovery. Kinyua, a well-known and active bodaboda operator, had no known enemies, according to locals.
“He was hardworking and peaceful. We are shocked that someone could do this to him,” a fellow rider told sauce.co.ke.
Police in Kirinyaga have launched a full-scale investigation and are urging anyone with information about Kinyua’s last movements or potential suspects to come forward.
This incident comes amid rising concerns over targeted killings of bodaboda riders, who often fall victim to criminal activities, including theft of motorcycles or personal disputes.
