Shock has gripped residents of Murinduko village in Mwea, Kirinyaga county following the murder of a middle-aged man who was allegedly killed by his friend.
John Mwangi, 34, allegedly killed Stephen Murimi, 31, on an unknown date and buried his body in a shallow grave next to his latrine.
It is believed that the suspect's intention was to dump the body into the pit latrine but since his body could not fit through the small opening, he resorted to digging a shallow tunnel and drop the body into the pit.
The body was discovered and retrieved on Thursday afternoon by villagers who later called for help from the police.
A neighbour who sought anonymity told the Star by phone that the two are suspected to have been involved in a romantic relationship and had since been living together.
"Prior to living together, I had spotted the frequent visitations by the deceased to the suspect's house. I don't know what happened between the two but I suspect there was an altercation between them which led to the suspect murdering his friend," she said.
She disclosed that Murimi's parents were struck with curiosity after their son went missing for some days and could not be reached on phone resulting in the search at the suspect's home.
"The home owner was nowhere to be found when they went looking for him. However, they found a fresh grave next to the latrine and out of curiosity they scooped the soil only to find the body of their son."
According to the neighbour, the suspect is a local mason who had previously separated with his two wives.
The middle aged man is said to have sired two children in the first marriage and one child in the second.
Mwangi is said to have been a staunch Christian and a committed church goer.
"We are in utter shock that he could commit such an inhumane act. We have known Mwangi for a long time and is one of the most humble and kind-hearted men in our village."
Another neighbour expressed his shock over the incident saying Mwangi was the least expected person she would have associated with the act.
"Mwangi was an upright man and was so committed in church related activities before he started becoming an absentee. We are shocked that he could act in such a bizarre manner."
County police commander Mathew Mang'ira confirmed the incident saying the officers have launched a man hunt for the suspect.
Speaking to the star on Phone, the police boss said the deceased was from Chuka and had come to visit his friend when he met his untimely death.
"The parents went looking for him at his friend's home after their son went missing for three days only to find his body buried next to the grave."
Mang'ira added that the officers have since launched investigations in bid to establish the motive of the murder.
The body was moved to Karira hospital mortuary awaiting postmortem.
