05/05/2026
MISSING SINCE DECEMBER 23, 2025:
Fredrick Gitije, a teacher at Kindani Secondary School in Igembe South, was reported missing on December 23, 2025.
- Skeleton found in Nyambene Forest*: Kenya Forest Service officers found a human skeleton hanging from a tree deep in Nyambene Forest, Igembe Central, Meru County. The remains were in an advanced state of decomposition, with only a skeleton left. Some limbs were missing and a piece of cloth was tied around the neck. Police said the body had likely been there for several months.
- Public speculation: After the discovery, unverified reports on social media linked the body to Gitije. He was known as a vocal political critic of local leaders.
Family's response
Gitije’s family has denied that the body has been identified as his.
- His wife, Fridah Njoki, told Meru News Hub they are aware of the recovered body but don’t know who it is.
- She said Gitije’s mother has gone for a DNA test to confirm identity.
- “No family member has confirmed that he died because there is nothing we could identify. Only DNA will prove it... The body is a skeleton with no lower parts. You cannot even tell if it is a male or female,” she said.
- The family urged Kenyans to stop circulating unconfirmed information and said they would be the source of any confirmed news. ba2a
Police investigation
- Detectives processed the scene and moved the remains to Nyambene Sub-County mortuary for forensic analysis and identification.
- Investigations are ongoing to establish both the identity and circumstances of death. Gender of the deceased could not immediately be established. a
Bottom line: As of the latest reports, DNA results are still pending. The family has not confirmed the remains are Gitije’s, and police haven’t released an official identification.