Teacher Unions’ leaders from the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), Kenya Women Teachers Association (KIWOTA) and the community have called for swift justice for the slain 28-year-old Junior Secondary School (JSS) teacher Betty Wanjiru Nyaga.
Speaking during the burial of the deceased teacher, KUPPET Kirinyaga Branch Secretary Charles Gituku Gachoki and KIWOTA Kirinyaga Coordinator Wilkester Wanjiru Muiruri, they urged authorities to fast-track investigations and arrest the suspect.
Muiruri decried rising cases of gender-based violence, saying, “We were meant to coexist peacefully, but what we are seeing today is conflict that is leaving a trail of destruction.”
Nyaga, who taught at Ithiga Ria Njuki Comprehensive School, was buried at her father’s farm in Kimbimbi, Mwea East Sub-County.
Her family described her death as devastating, with her brother, Alex Mwangi, paying a heartfelt tribute. “You have gone to a better place where there are no tears, no struggle, and no death. Rest peacefully, but I will never forget you,” he said.
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Colleagues and pupils from Ithiga Ria Njuki Comprehensive School attended the burial, many overcome with grief. Some students were seen weeping as they mourned their teacher, remembering her as caring and dedicated despite the short time they had with her.
Nyaga was reportedly killed on March 12, 2026, and her body dumped near Nyamindi River. Police have identified the main suspect as her boyfriend, Peter Kanumbi, who remains at large.
Angered by the incident, residents of Ngucue Village in Riagiceru Location reportedly set the suspect’s house on fire after the discovery of Nyaga’s body.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has since released photographs of the suspect, urging members of the public to share information that could lead to his arrest.
Kirinyaga County Police Commander Mohammed Jire assured residents that efforts are underway to apprehend the suspect. “We will ensure the suspect is arrested and prosecuted. We are asking locals to cooperate with security agencies by providing any information that may assist in the investigation,” he said during a visit to Wang’uru Police Station.
The incident has sparked outrage across the county, with calls for justice continuing to grow as the community mourns the loss of a young educator.
By Juma Ndigo
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