The scene where a woman was murdered at the Site estate in Athi River county on August 25, 2025.Athi River residents are reeling in shock after the brutal killing of a businesswoman who had reportedly expressed fears for her life days before her death.
The victim, identified as Catherine Nduku, was attacked and killed on Sunday night while heading home from her shop in Sofia village, Athi River Township, Machakos County.
According to Athi River Subcounty Criminal Investigations Officer (DCIO) Michael Boiyo, one of Nduku’s close relatives revealed that she had recently confided in him about feeling unsafe.
“She told a relative that her life was in danger but did not disclose who was threatening her. Unfortunately, she died before giving more details,” Boiyo told reporters on Tuesday.
The family said Nduku had called the relative while he was away, promising to share more once he returned home. However, she was killed before she could reveal further information. Police confirmed she had not reported any threats prior to her death.
Midnight attack
Nduku, who ran a milk shop, an M-Pesa outlet, and a general store, closed her business at midnight and hired a bodaboda rider to take her home. The two were ambushed near Site Estate, about 100 metres from her house.
The attackers, armed with crude weapons, viciously assaulted both Nduku and the rider. She sustained deep cuts on her face and died on the spot.
The rider was rescued by a passerby and rushed to Kitengela Level Four Hospital before being referred to Machakos Level Five Hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
Police said the attackers stole two of Nduku’s phones and her handbag. The rider, however, was not robbed, though his motorbike has not been traced.
Dark spot
Independent checks revealed the floodlight at the scene of the attack had been vandalised days earlier and was not functional during the incident. It was repaired by Machakos county officials hours after the killing.
Relatives also disclosed that this was not the first time Nduku had been targeted—she had previously survived an attempted attack at the same spot.
Her body was taken to Shalom Community Hospital mortuary for an autopsy.
Investigations underway
DCIO Boiyo said detectives are pursuing leads and hope to gather crucial information from the bodaboda rider once his condition stabilises.
“We are on the ground following leads to ensure the suspects are arrested and arraigned. This was an isolated case, but we have enhanced patrols across Athi River,” he said.
Boiyo urged residents to volunteer information that could help police identify criminals, adding that intelligence will also help security agencies map out crime-prone areas.
Meanwhile, fear has gripped residents of Athi River, with many decrying what they say is a growing wave of insecurity.
