Police in Nakuru East launched investigations after discovering the body of a 30-year-old man in a trench. Officers found the body on the morning of Wednesday, January 21, with multiple stab wounds.
Authorities identified the deceased as Martin Muthomi, a mechanic who lived alone within the neighborhood.
Police confirmed that residents alerted officers after discovering the body during early morning hours. Officers secured the scene immediately and restricted access to preserve evidence for forensic examination. Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations joined uniformed officers at the scene.
Residents Recount Nighttime Scream Before Discovery
Residents reported hearing a loud scream around midnight but chose to remain indoors out of fear. The area remained quiet afterward, raising suspicion among locals who later discovered the body at daybreak.
Community members told police that insecurity in the area has made residents fearful of responding to emergencies. Many residents stated that frequent night robberies discourage people from leaving their homes after dark.
Local leaders confirmed that no witnesses came forward to directly identify suspects linked to the incident. Police acknowledged that the lack of eyewitness accounts complicates early investigative efforts significantly.
Chief Cites Rising Insecurity and Motorcycle Robberies
The area chief confirmed that Nakuru East has experienced rising insecurity in recent months. He explained that groups of young men on motorcycles have repeatedly targeted residents for robberies.
Authorities noted that criminals often operate at night, limiting visibility and increasing fear among community members.
Police stated that such conditions create opportunities for violent crimes without immediate intervention. The chief clarified that investigators have not established robbery as the motive behind Muthomi’s killing. Officers continue analyzing evidence to determine whether the attack involved theft or personal conflict.
Nakuru County Records Series of Violent Crimes
Nakuru County has recorded an increase in violent robberies resulting in multiple deaths over recent months. Police reports indicate that organized criminal groups have intensified operations across several neighborhoods.
In October 2025, four suspects linked to the murder of a police officer attempted to escape from Nakuru Law Courts. Officers later recaptured the suspects after a swift security response. Earlier, on June 1, 2025, attackers ambushed police officers in the Freehold area during a targeted attack. One officer died, while two others sustained critical injuries during the confrontation.
Investigators linked the Freehold ambush to organized criminal syndicates operating within Nakuru East. Authorities stated that the assailants used advanced tactics and coordinated movements during the attack.
In late May 2025, Nakuru East recorded two fatal attacks within forty-eight hours. Paul Dong died inside his shop in Ndege Ndimu during a violent robbery. Another victim, Jackson Wangi, lost his life after attackers shot him in the Pipeline area. Police described both incidents as part of a broader crime pattern affecting business owners.
During another incident, Arap Chumo responded to distress calls involving a trader’s shop under attack. Assailants killed him during the raid despite him not being their primary target. Earlier in 2025, attackers killed a 24-year-old shop owner in Soilo during a robbery. The gang stole large sums of money after launching a coordinated attack on the business.
DCI Leads Ongoing Investigations Into Muthomi’s Death
Police confirmed that DCI officers are leading investigations into the killing of Martin Muthomi. Detectives are reconstructing events surrounding the night of the incident. Investigators are collecting forensic evidence from the scene to identify suspects involved. Officers are also reviewing crime patterns to establish possible links to previous attacks.
Police stated that patrols have increased in Nakuru East following public concern over rising insecurity. Authorities aim to deter criminal activity and restore confidence among residents. Law enforcement officials urged residents to share any information that may assist ongoing investigations. Police emphasized that community cooperation remains critical to solving violent crimes.
Authorities reassured the public that they will pursue all leads until they identify those responsible. Officers vowed to strengthen surveillance and intelligence gathering across affected neighborhoods.
Police warned criminal groups that intensified operations will continue until security stabilizes. Authorities stated that protecting lives and property remains a top priority within Nakuru County.
