JANE MWENDE | PHOTO COURTESY: FACEBOOK
The remains of a hairstylist who had gone missing approximately two weeks ago were discovered in a pit latrine situated in the Mlolongo region of Machakos County. This location was just a few kilometers away from her workplace, as confirmed by law enforcement officials.
The decomposed body belonged to Jane Mwende Mwanzia, a 29-year-old individual, and it was located following information provided by previously detained suspects who directed the police to the scene. Patrick Lobolia, the Police Commander of Machakos County, stated that the body was found within the pit latrine, and that their investigation was aided by these suspects. Initially, these individuals had misinformed investigators by directing them to Magongo forest in the Wote area of Makueni County. However, they subsequently changed their account and led the authorities to Kiserian, ultimately revealing the actual location where Mwende’s remains were discovered in Mlolongo.
Since her disappearance, family members, friends, and colleagues of Mwende had been fervently searching for her. They had made efforts to visit police stations, hospitals, and morgues in their quest for information regarding her whereabouts.
The sequence of events began on August 25, 2023, when the deceased received a phone call from an individual posing as a client in need of her hairdressing services at their residence. After leaving for this appointment, she never returned. Her colleagues noted that her phone remained switched off, and she did not show up for work. Additionally, she failed to pick up her child from her Yatta residence in Machakos following the August holidays.
Police are currently investigating potential motives, including a suspected love triangle and her involvement in the real estate business. It has been alleged that Mwende had been embroiled in a dispute with another woman in Mlolongo town, which revolved around a man already questioned by the police. Authorities are presently interrogating a couple and actively seeking two more suspects in connection with this murder case. All individuals involved are expected to face charges related to murder.