The morning of July 30, 2025, began with distressing news for residents of Banita village, located in Soin Ward, Rongai constituency in Nakuru County, Kenya. What began as an ordinary day quickly turned somber after the lifeless body of a man was discovered in a nearby river. The unsettling incident not only shocked locals but also ignited an urgent call for justice and clarity surrounding the circumstances of the man’s death.
The report was first made by Assistant Chief Richard Kiplangat of Kokwomoi sub-location, who immediately informed local authorities. Responding swiftly, officers from Majani Mingi Police Station arrived at the scene and secured the area to preserve potential evidence. Upon recovery, it was noted that the body bore visible bruises on the head and face, suggesting that the man may have been assaulted prior to his death.
Through documents found in the deceased’s pocket, including a national identity card, authorities identified him as Jared Muiruri Kamau, a man aged over 50. His identity added gravity to the situation, transforming what could have been dismissed as a tragic accident into a matter of urgent criminal investigation. The body was transported to Nakuru Annex Mortuary, where it was preserved pending an official autopsy to determine the exact cause and time of death.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has since taken over the case, and forensic experts are working to piece together what might have happened. Early assessments indicate that the body had been in the river for several hours before being found. As the investigation unfolds, authorities are appealing to the public for any information that could help provide clarity or reveal witnesses who might have seen the deceased prior to the incident.
This tragedy has left the residents of Banita and the wider Rongai area deeply unsettled. In recent months, the community has grown increasingly worried over rising insecurity and sporadic cases of unexplained deaths and disappearances. The death of Jared Kamau has not only reignited these concerns but also spotlighted the need for improved police presence and community outreach.
Local leaders have spoken out, urging security agencies to remain vigilant and transparent in their investigations. They have also called for calm and unity among residents, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the public and law enforcement to ensure justice is served.
