Alarm in Kirinyaga as four bodies retrieved in River Ragati over last two months

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Alarm in Kirinyaga as four bodies retrieved in River Ragati over last two months

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The latest body, that of an unidentified man, was discovered by children who had gone fishing in the river.

The discovery has heightened anxiety among residents, who are questioning who is dumping the bodies in the river and where the victims were killed.

“This is the second body in two weeks and the fourth body in two months. Who brings these bodies here despite River Ragati being near the Sagana Highway?” asked resident Clement Maina.

“We are worried where these people are killed and dumped because they are not later identified,” he added.

Maina Kariuki, whose homestead is surrounded by River Ragati and is located near the Sagana Highway, called for increased police patrols in the area.

“It could be better if police officers could be patrolling near the highway close to River Ragati to see who is throwing dead bodies. In June a body was retrieved, in July another, and now during this August holiday two bodies have been retrieved, all male. We are worried,” he said.

Kariuki said three of the bodies had been found near his homestead because the river cuts across his land.

“Among the three bodies retrieved near my homestead, we believe they are dumped because locals have not complained that there are missing people in the village,” he said.

Residents suspect the bodies could be transported and dumped by motorists using the busy Sagana Highway.

“We are always alert and we can't tell how those bodies are thrown in the river. We suspect these bodies are brought and thrown by those driving along the Sagana Highway,” said Maina.

David Rukana urged residents to work closely with police to establish who is behind the dumping of the bodies.

“Residents should work with police to know who throws these bodies. River Ragati comes all the way from Karatina and I know only one body was identified before these four bodies were discovered,” he said.

The latest body was taken to the Kerugoya Hospital mortuary, where it is being held as police investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths and seek to establish the identity of the deceased.

Reporting originally appeared via Citizen Digital. Read the full source for additional context.