The family of 28-year-old Lilian Nyambura Mbugua is in a state of anguish and panic following her sudden and mysterious disappearance from their home in Gikono, Kabati, Murang’a County, just two days before Christmas.
Lilian Nyambura Mbugua, a brand manager for Chrome with East Africa Breweries Limited (EABL), had traveled to her mother’s home on December 21 to celebrate the festive season. The weekend was filled with joy as the family attended church together on Sunday and shared warm meals on Monday.
However, their happiness turned into heartbreak when, at around 5 p.m. on Monday, December 23, Lilian stepped out of the house wearing a headscarf and slippers, seemingly for an evening stroll.
“It seemed like an ordinary walk around the estate,” said George Njuguna, her uncle. “Her mother was doing house chores in the backyard and didn’t think much of it.”
When Lilian didn’t return, the family became alarmed. Attempts to reach her were futile as she had left both her mobile phones in the house, along with her car keys, laptop, house keys, and identity documents.
The family reported her disappearance to the Gikono police post on December 24 and later to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Kenol. Investigators revealed that Lilian had made three phone calls on the evening of December 21, but no further leads have surfaced.
“This has been a hard inquiry because she didn’t leave with any mobile devices or her car, which would have been easier to trace,” said Constable Patrick Maina of the Gikono police post.
The family describes Lilian as a quiet and reserved individual. Although she seemed slightly tired before her disappearance, there were no apparent signs of distress or unusual behavior.
As the search for Lilian continues, her family is pleading for any information that could lead to her whereabouts. Their holiday season has turned into a nightmare, with every passing moment filled with worry and unanswered questions.
