Chopped off ears, thumb: Inside gruesome death of Nakuru banker
On the morning of August 6, Mueni Mwalimu checked into her job at the Cooperative Bank Nakuru Branch.
Two hours after starting her shift, she entered the manager’s office to request permission to leave, explaining that she needed to take her child to the hospital.
After receiving approval to leave, Mueni packed up her things and departed. That was the last time she was seen alive.
The following day, Mueni’s body was discovered in a maize field near her home. Her ears and right thumb were missing, and she had severe stab wounds to her head and face.
A post-mortem report revealed that Mueni had been alive when her ears were severed.
Family and friends are in shock, and investigators are trying to determine the motive behind the murder and why specific body parts were targeted.
Questions remain about the identity of the killers, the fate of the body parts, and their intended use. Both her family and detectives are searching for answers.
Mueni’s husband, Erick Mureithi, received a call from his 11-year-old son and the househelp at 10 pm on Tuesday, informing him that Mueni had not returned home.
Mr. Mureithi attempted to call her but found her phone switched off.
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He then contacted his mother-in-law, who mentioned that their last conversation was at 11 am that day when Mueni called to check on her brother in the hospital.
Mr. Mureithi reported his wife’s disappearance to the local chief, who advised him to wait until morning to report to the police if she did not return.
On August 9, 2024, Erick Mureithi was comforted by neighbors in Ole Rongai, Nakuru County. His wife, Florence Mueni, had been found murdered just meters from their home by unidentified attackers.
He traveled from Kisii, approximately 200 km away, the following day to check with the bank about Mueni’s whereabouts.
The bank manager confirmed that Mueni had left work early the previous day.
Mr. Mureithi later received a call from the chief directing him to Olrongai police station, where he was taken to the crime scene.
Mr. Mureithi recalled contacting one of Mueni’s colleagues who mentioned that such field days typically occurred on weekends and confirmed that Mueni had left work early. They last spoke at 9 am on Tuesday, and Mueni had replied to a message at 11 am, saying she would get medication for their sick son. Little did he know it would be their last conversation.
No indications
Mr. Mureithi noted that his wife had never expressed any concerns for her safety or had conflicts with her coworkers. He described Mueni as a loving, diligent woman who preferred a simple, private life.
According to Mr. Mureithi, the post-mortem indicated that the killer was extremely angry. Mueni was alive when her ears were cut off, and her hands were broken. He mentioned that Mueni usually took public transportation to work.
A source who wished to remain anonymous shared that Mueni’s house help assumed her boss was delayed at work and prepared dinner while waiting. When Mueni did not return by 10 pm, the househelp tried to call her, but her phone was off.
The concerned househelp then contacted Mr. Mureithi in Kisii to update him on the situation. He promised to try reaching Mueni.
Discovery of the body
Mueni’s location remained unknown until the next afternoon when a boy hunting birds found her body.
He alerted local residents, who informed the assistant chief. The chief then reported the discovery to the Olrongai police post.
Police arrived at the scene a short while later.
According to Donnata Otieno, the Rongai Directorate of Criminal Investigation chief, Mueni’s handbag and documents were scattered at the crime scene, but her phone was missing.
Ms. Otieno stated that investigations into Mueni’s death are underway.
“The scene appeared undisturbed with no blood stains, suggesting that the murder occurred elsewhere,” Ms. Otieno explained.
“There are indications that a vehicle was used to transport the body.”
A police detective speculated that the removal of the thumb might have been intended for illicit activities related to the bank.
A death notice from the bank, which circulated online, confirmed Mueni’s employment in the Personal Banking Department and expressed condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues.
For Mr. Mureithi, the loss of his wife is a profound tragedy, and he is seeking justice.
“I want justice,” he told the Saturday Nation.
The body was taken to PNN Funeral Home.
Chopped off ears, thumb: Inside gruesome death of Nakuru banker
