Nyeri: Missing Woman Found Dead in Water Tank

Surprise and dismay gripped the community of Kiruga village in Nyeri County when the missing Othaya woman, Sarah Wairuri, was discovered lifeless inside her water tank. Despite a five-day search effort, the residents had not considered checking the water source they regularly used.

The 47-year-old, who had been missing since January 13, was found in her 2,500-liter water tank adjacent to her three-roomed house on the evening of Thursday, January 18. According to Beth Wambui, the deceased’s cousin, Wairuri, who was battling mental illness, had broken her routine on the fateful day.

Wambui explained that Wairuri, a single mother of eight, usually prepared breakfast at her home, where she lived with her daughter and grandchild. Her daughter, in her mid-20s, worked in Othaya town, leaving Wairuri under the care of family members during the day. However, on the day of her disappearance, Wairuri had deviated from her usual routine, opting to have breakfast at a neighbor’s house.

Despite her challenges, Wairuri had received support from the county government and an NGO, My Brother’s Keeper Foundation, which provided her with clean piped water, food, and a house. The community benefited from her water tank, which served four households and a local church.

The discovery of Wairuri’s body inside the tank came after neighbors complained of a foul smell and foamy water. It was only then that they realized the grim situation. The family is now questioning the circumstances of her death, pointing out the difficulty of her falling into the tank due to its small opening and her body size. The police are investigating the matter, and the family has expressed concern over the mysterious nature of the incident. Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has called for a thorough investigation, acknowledging the serious questions raised by the circumstances surrounding Wairuri’s death.