A family in Kiambu County is in mourning after the bodies of a young mother and her two-year-old son were retrieved from River Thiririka in Gatundu.
The woman, Virginia Njeri, 26, had been married in Nakuru, but was facing challenges in her union. Like many in such situations, she sought refuge at her uncle’s home in Githurai.
On August 12, one of her in-laws reportedly picked her and her son Adrian Mejja up. They were said to be heading to an in-law’s home to try and resolve the marital problems. Her last call was to her father.
That was the last time she was heard and seen alive.
When she failed to return, her worried family reported her missing at the Githurai Police Station. They also reached out to the public on social media for help. Influencer Karangu Muraya and other Kenyans joined in the search.
Tragically, Njeri and her young son, Adrian Mejja, were later found drowned in River Thiririka. A small sweater Adrian was wearing helped rescuers and family members identify the bodies.
The remains were taken to General Kago Mortuary in Thika, where a postmortem was conducted. The family, however, declined to share the findings, citing personal reasons.
What shocked many was that Njeri’s husband did not attend the postmortem. No representatives from his side of the family showed up either, despite coming from the same village.
News of the deaths spread quickly online. Many Kenyans had been hopeful for a safe return but were left heartbroken by the outcome. Tributes poured in as people expressed their grief and called for answers.
Njeri’s father, deeply distraught, was seen at the mortuary after identifying the bodies of his daughter and grandson.
The tragedy has left many questions unanswered, with the family seeking privacy as they process the painful loss.
By Vivian K.