Missing Kericho teacher found dead near river with five stab wounds

Police in Kericho have launched investigations after the body of missing teacher Martina Chepkemoi Ruto was found dumped near Kimugu River on the outskirts of Kericho town.

Chepkemoi’s body was discovered earlier Wednesday, several days after she was reported missing.

Police confirmed that the body had five chest stab wounds, raising suspicion that she may have been killed before being dumped at the river.

The deceased was reported missing on August 26 after she left her home in Abosi for her workplace, Lalagin Senior School in Bureti constituency.

Her disappearance had prompted efforts by relatives and other members of the community to trace her whereabouts.

Police said investigations had commenced to establish the circumstances surrounding her disappearance and death, including where and when she was killed and who was responsible.

“We have commenced investigations into the circumstances surrounding her death. Our officers are pursuing all available leads to establish what happened and identify those responsible,” Kericho East DCIO Kennedy Apindi told the press.

Detectives are expected to retrace her movements from the time she left home and establish what happened before her body was discovered.

The circumstances under which the body was dumped near the river were also being investigated

Police said they were pursuing leads that could help identify the person or people behind the killing.

The body was taken to the mortuary pending postmortem examination, which is expected to provide further information on the cause and circumstances of her death.

Detectives are also expected to record statements from family members, colleagues and other people who may have interacted with her before her disappearance.

The discovery has left relatives and colleagues seeking answers over what happened to the teacher after she left home on August 26.

The discovery of the body comes days after the fatal shooting of 45-year-old Doris Murei at a GSU Mess compound in Eldoret.

A GSU constable, attached to a governor, was arrested and is facing murder allegations in connection to the murder.

The two incidents have renewed concerns over cases of violent attacks against women in the country.