Kandara residents mill at the scene where a youth was murdered and his body dumped near Makindi river on October 7, 2025Residents of Kandara town and its surroundings are living in
fear following a wave of violent attacks that have left two people dead and
three others nursing serious injuries in the past two weeks.
The latest victim, Kibui Karuri, a popular mandazi vendor, was killed on Monday night as he headed home. His body was later discovered near Makindi River.
His elder brother, Joseph Muturi, said he received a distress call early Tuesday informing him of the murder. When he arrived at the scene, he was horrified by what he saw.
“His head had been cut off, his ears were missing and he had deep cuts on his legs. They killed him in such a beastly manner,” Muturi said, struggling to understand why anyone would target his hardworking sibling.
On Wednesday, angry residents took to the streets, marching to Kandara police station to demand tighter security and protest the rising cases of violent assaults.
Adding to the shock, none of the attackers have stolen from their victims. Personal belongings, including mobile phones, are always left behind, deepening the mystery around the motive and identity of those behind the killings.
Muturi, who also serves as chairperson of AIPCA Kandara church, said the church reverend was attacked days before his brother’s murder and is currently admitted to hospital with serious cuts but in stable condition.
Before that, a woman was assaulted early in the morning while heading to work at Gaichamangu area, while another victim — a young man who vends boiled eggs — sustained head injuries after being attacked in town.
The first fatal attack in the series was reported in Githuya village, where Jathan Chege was killed in a similar fashion, triggering panic among residents.
Local businessman Willy Gituto said most traders are now forced to close early and head home before dusk, as the attacks often occur early in the morning or evening.
“Our town’s economy is suffering. People are afraid, businesses close early, and children are no longer safe walking to school. We want new security officers brought in — those currently in charge have failed us,” Gituto said.
He added that residents would continue holding protests until those behind the attacks are caught and prosecuted.
Kandara subcounty police commander Peter Maina said investigations are ongoing and urged residents to share any leads that could help.
“As of now, we’re yet to establish who is behind the attacks, but we’re doing everything possible. Two suspects are in custody over the assault on a woman, though there’s no link to the other incidents yet,” Maina said.
He confirmed that local leaders and boda boda representatives will soon meet to discuss new security measures.
Kandara MP Chege Njuguna described the recent events as disturbing, saying the area had been peaceful for decades until now.
He urged security agencies to restore calm and protect residents from further attacks.
INSTANT ANALYSIS
Five people have been attacked in Kandara within two weeks, two of them fatally. The brutality of the killings — with victims mutilated and personal belongings left untouched — has left residents terrified and baffled. The motive remains unclear, deepening fears of a possible serial killer or cult-linked violence. Residents accuse security officers of laxity and are demanding an overhaul of the team. Police admit the mystery remains unsolved but have made two unrelated arrests. The attacks have crippled business, disrupted livelihoods, and forced residents into self-imposed curfews as authorities scramble to restore confidence and safety.
