Detectives in Murang’a County are investigating the murder of a 42-year-old man whose body was found in a maize plantation hours after he returned home following his release from prison.
The incident was reported on Wednesday after the body was discovered in a maize farm in Kirembu Village, Chui area.
Police officers who visited the scene identified the deceased as Lawrence Maina Irungu, 42.
According to police, the body was found about 500 metres from his home. Preliminary findings indicated that he had sustained multiple injuries, including deep cuts to the neck, head and both legs.
Investigators established that Irungu had been serving a prison sentence at Nyeri Prison following his conviction for the murder of his father in 2007.
He was reportedly released after the High Court in Nyeri allowed his appeal on May 27, 2026.
Police said he was released from custody on June 9 and arrived at his home at about 9.30 p.m. the same day.
His body was discovered the following day.
Crime scene officers processed and documented the scene before the body was moved to Kangema Hospital Mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination.
Detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding the killing and pursuing leads to establish the motive and identify those responsible.
Police have continued to discourage mob justice and are urging members of the public to surrender suspects to authorities for lawful action. Authorities have also been promoting the reintegration and acceptance of ex-convicts in society.
Meanwhile, police in Vihiga County have launched investigations into the death of a 28-year-old man who succumbed to injuries after he was allegedly assaulted by a mob over claims of involvement in criminal activities.
The incident was reported in Mwoki Village, Masana Sub-location, South Maragoli Location, on Tuesday.
According to police, the deceased, identified as Brian Anim Adamba, was allegedly attacked by a mob at Mwoki Junction on the evening of June 8 at about 7.30 p.m.
Preliminary investigations indicate that a group of residents assaulted him after accusing him of engaging in criminal activities in the area. He reportedly sustained serious injuries before being rescued by his brother and uncle.
The injured man was rushed to hospital for treatment but succumbed to his injuries in the early hours of Tuesday while receiving medical care.
Police officers visited and documented the scene as part of ongoing investigations.
The body was moved to the mortuary at Vihiga County Teaching and Referral Hospital, where it awaits a post-mortem examination.
Authorities have condemned incidents of mob justice and urged members of the public to hand over suspects to law enforcement agencies instead of taking the law into their own hands.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
