In Nyandarua County, Kenya, detectives have detained a man on suspicion of slaying his 60-year-old mother.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) conducted a multi-agency investigation prior to the arrest.
In November 2025, Millicent Wahura Mwangi, 60, was reported missing. Police expanded their search after initial questions raised suspicions.
In a statement released on Wednesday, DCI revealed that on December 24, onlookers discovered a female torso packed in a sack..
The missing mother’s torso was positively identified by the family.
On November 20, 2025, investigators tracked down and apprehended Benson Maina Mwangi, the deceased’s second-born son, at his hiding place.
“Detectives have intensified investigations into the m8rder of 60-year-old Millicent Wahura Mwangi, who was brutally k_lled on November 11, 2025, at Mwireri village in Olkalou, Nyandarua Central Sub-County,” the statement read.
“What was first reported at Olkalou Police Station as a missing person case soon took a grim twist after preliminary findings pointed to foul play.
“Three days later, on November 14, 2025, passers-by at Rumathi village, about 37 kilometres away from Olkalou, along the Malewa–Kipipiri road, stumbled upon a female torso stuffed in a sack, clad in a whitish blouse with blue and black stripes, and dumped by the roadside.
“Police officers from Kipipiri Police Station rushed to the scene, meticulously documented it, and mounted a search for the missing body parts, but the effort bore no fruit. The torso was moved to JM Kariuki Memorial Funeral Home for preservation, identification, and autopsy.
“On November 15, detectives notified the family about the discovery. In efforts to find their missing mother, the family later visited the facility, positively identifying the torso as that of their missing mother, bringing a painful end to their search.
“With the case now confirmed as murder, detectives from the DCI Homicide Investigations Unit took over the probe, and working jointly with Nyandarua Central Sub-County detectives, a painstaking manhunt was launched for the culprit.
“Through forensic intelligence, investigators trailed down and arrested the prime suspect, Benson Maina Mwangi, the deceased’s second-born son, on November 20, 2025, at his hideout in Kamulu.
“He was processed and arraigned before the SPM’s Court in Olkalou on November 24, 2025, where detectives secured 21-day custodial orders. He remains in custody pending mention on January 19, 2026.
“Yesterday, December 23, 2025, homicide detectives and forensic experts conducted a scene re-enactment exercise. Guided by the suspect, the team proceeded to River Malewa in Nyandarua Central, where an underwater search led to the recovery of crucial exhibits, among them a machete believed to be the murder weapon, a bedsheet, a blanket, and other items the suspect disposed of after k!lling his mother.
“Investigations continue as detectives piece together the final moments of the deceased and build a watertight case to ensure justice is served.”