Juja murder-suicide: Man strangles college student, takes own life

Detectives in Juja, Kiambu County, are investigating a suspected murder-suicide involving a 20-year-old female college student and a 36-year-old man in Witeithie Estate.

Juja Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Daniel Ndege said the victim, identified as Linet Nkatha, a student at TIBs College in Thika, was found strangled on Wednesday.

The suspect, Dickson Muriithi Mutwiri, was later discovered hanging from the ceiling of the same house with a manila rope.

Daniel Mwangi, a resident of Witeithie near the Tel Aviv building where the incident occurred, said he was awakened by screams from a neighbouring plot. He was later informed that a man had killed a woman before taking his own life.

Officers from Witeithie Police Station, alongside detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) based in Juja, visited the scene and found both bodies.

According to DCC Ndege, the suspect left a handwritten note confessing to the murder and requesting that detectives inform his mother about his death.

Preliminary investigations suggest the two were in a romantic relationship and may have had a disagreement that escalated fatally.

DCC Ndege urged students and young people to seek emotional and psychological support when facing challenges.

“We encourage young people, especially students, to prioritise their safety and mental well-being. If you are in a troubled relationship or experiencing emotional distress, don’t suffer in silence—speak to a counsellor, a teacher, or someone you trust,” he said.

He also condemned the rising cases of gender-based violence and cautioned men against turning to violence during disputes.

“No disagreement or heartbreak should ever lead to the loss of life. We strongly warn men against harming or killing women. Violence is never the answer—walk away and seek help,” Ndege added.

The bodies were taken to General Kago Funeral Home in Thika, pending postmortem examinations.