Body of unidentified man found dumped in Mwea rice fields
By Emmanuel Rono, July 19, 2026Residents of Mutithi Ward in Mwea, Kirinyaga County, woke up to a grim discovery on Sunday after the body of an unidentified man was found dumped in a rice field, prompting police to launch investigations into the suspected murder.
The body was discovered on Sunday, July 19, 2026, near one of the irrigation furrows in the expansive Mwea rice scheme.
It reportedly had deep cuts on the head, raising fears among residents over growing insecurity in the area.
Area Assistant Chief Nyaga Kwanga alerted police after receiving reports of the incident.
Officers visited the scene before moving the body to the Kerugoya County Hospital mortuary, where it awaits identification and a post-mortem examination.
The incident shocked local residents, many of whom gathered at the scene after the body was discovered.
“Leo asubuhi tumepata kuna mtu ameuawa katikati ya mashamba yetu hii ya mchele yenye tunalimanga mchele. Na ndiposa tumekuja kushuhudia mpaka tukakosa kwenda kanisa leo juu ako katika area yetu yenye tunalimanga mchele,” one resident said.
Where the body was found
Another resident, Samuel Kariuki, said the location where the body was found is far from nearby homes, making it unlikely that anyone would have heard the victim if he had cried for help.
“Kutoka mahali ambapo mwili iko na mahali ambapo boma ziko ni kama kilomita moja kutoka mahali ambapo mwili iko. Kwa sababu gani? Kwa sababu hii ni eneo ambayo huwa tunalima mchele. Kusema ukweli, kutoka mahali ambapo mwili iko hata angepiga nduru, hakuna mtu angeweza kumsikia kwa sababu boma zenye ziko karibu ziko kilomita kama moja,” Kariuki said.
The discovery has heightened anxiety among residents, who are now calling on security agencies to intensify patrols and expedite investigations into the killing.
Police have not yet established the identity of the deceased or the circumstances surrounding his death. Investigations are ongoing