12/04/2026
On Thursday evening, a report was filed regarding the disappearance of 18-month-old Mary Wanjiru Muhinja from Gondo, Tetu Constituency, Nyeri.
Her mother, Ann Mwandaki, reported that on Wednesday, she had left the child in the care of a relative, 21-year-old Linet Wangechi, while she went to do laundry. Linet was entrusted with Mary alongside her own child of a similar age. When Ann returned around noon, Mary was nowhere to be found.
An immediate search yielded no results, leading to a formal police report. Linet, the last person to be seen with the child, was taken in for questioning on Friday morning and spent the night in custody.
This morning, representatives from Team Kujituma Nyeri, led by Caroline Ndirangu, joined the pursuit of justice. After consulting with the area chief and local police, they were granted time to speak with the suspect. Under persuasion, Linet finally agreed to tell the truth.
She alleged that she had left the house with Mary to go to a shop, leaving her own child behind. She claimed that after receiving a piece of sugarcane, the children began to fight over it. Linet admitted to hitting Mary during the scuffle. Upon realizing the toddler had collapsed and was lifeless, she carried the body to a nearby river and threw it in.
Following her confession, Linet led Team Kujituma and DCI officers to the scene. A local diver recovered baby Mary’s body from the water shortly after. The suspect later claimed she was "possessed by the devil" at the time of the act.
Linet Wangechi remains in police custody as investigations continue. Rest in peace, little Mary.