Suspect who burnt Embu family of 7 to death detained for 7 more days

The prime suspect in the Ngimari arson attack that wiped out a family of seven in Embu County on October 2022 was on Monday, January 9 arraigned following his arrest last Friday.

Boaz Wanjala was flushed out of his hideout in a village in Navakholo, Kakamega County, where he has been hiding ever since the incident that shocked the whole nation.

Runyenjes Senior Principal Magistrate Josephat Gichimu granted the Prosecution to hold the suspect for seven more days as they conclude their investigations.

In an affidavit filed by Samuel Onyamasi, the investigating officer, the prosecution argued that there was need for the detention of the suspect to allow for further investigations and to forward the file to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for directions.

During this period, Wanjala will be taken for mental assessment before he stands trial.

Prosecution also believes that other suspects are still at large, banking on Wanjala to help in arresting them.

Grief and shock

In the 4 am arson attack, Charles Kariuki, 50, and his wife Catherine Wanjiru, 46, together with their three children — Joel Njeru, Judy Wanjiku and Maryanne Murugi — died.

Kariuki and Wanjiru's two grandchildren also died in the incident.

Their three-bedroomed house made of timber in Gichiche village was reduced to ashes, with the family burnt beyond recognition.