Nakuru County Police in Kenya have launched investigations into three reported cases of mysterious murders seemingly targeting women in Mawanga, Bahati sub-county.
The incidents which occured back-to-back within two weeks, left a chilling effect on residents, most of who have now fled to safety.
Reports from residents indicate that thugs often launch attacks in broad day light, making away with their valuables.
In the course if such attacks, the thugs would often pounce on women, rape and set fire to their bodies to hide any proof of their atrocious acts.
One of the victims, Ms Diana Opicho, 25, was murdered in her house. According to a family member, Diana, who was the daughter of Bishop Jotham Opicho of the All Nations Church, was allegedly attacked and killed by two men who came into the house at 2pm under the guise of electrical technicians.
It was said that not a single item was missing from the house after Ms Opicho’s murderers left.
Another incident, was that of Ms Susan Wambui, whose life was cut short last week. Her killers are also still at large.
It is unclear the circumstances surrounding Ms Wambui’s death, but sources say the 36-year-old woman was killed right in front of her 3-year-old son, and her house set on fire.
A relative of the slain woman, Evans Kagwema, said that a post-mortem showed possible strangulation with a rope.
However, the autopsy report revealed that she was not raped. Susan’s killers are yet to be apprehended, and her family is calling for justice to prevail.
Nakuru North Sub-County Director of Criminal Investigation Wesley Langat in a statement, revealed that they have indeed, received disturbing reports – three so far – and detectives have swung into action to investigate the bizarre killings.
Detective Langat noted that all reported cases were similar, but disclaimed the information information that the thugs raped the victims before having them murdered in cold blood.
According a resident, Ms Mary Mathenge, women now live in perpetual fear of the unknown, and are afraid of moving alone.
“We’re forced to lock ourselves in the houses when our husbands go to work,” she revealed.
“We’re living in fear. We also fear for our children,” said Ms Mathenge.
The disturbed women have urged the police to tighten security in the area through consistent patrols both by day and night.
The Director has assured residents, that all efforts are being put in place to ensure the arrest and prosecution of perpetrators, while urging residents to be watchful and report suspicious persons or activities in the area. He also confirmed that patrols have been launched in the area.