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A long-standing land dispute, fueled by alleged betrayal between close friends, has culminated in the brutal murder of Nyeri businessman Joe Njiiri, highlighting the escalating issue of violent crime in Kenya.
The close friendship between Nyeri businessman Joe Njiiri, also known as Rukwaro, and Allan Kibaki reportedly collapsed under the weight of suspicion, greed, and betrayal, leading to Njiiri's brutal killing on the night of Monday, September 2, 2025, at his home in Gaikuyu village, Nyeri County. Police have since detained Kibaki, alongside land surveyor John Kinyua and three other suspects—Brian Murage, Dennis Njoroge alias Weta, and Gilbert Ratemo—all accused of involvement in the murder.
Family members indicate that the deadly fallout began over two decades ago concerning a disputed five-acre plot in Kamulu, Nairobi. In 2004, Njiiri purchased the land with the intention of processing the title deed and later selling it. Facing financial strain, he sought Kibaki's assistance, who agreed to help with paperwork and liaise with lands officials. However, Njiiri's family alleges that Kibaki exploited this trust, processing the title deed under his own name.
Years later, when Njiiri decided to sell the land, with Kibaki ironically acting as a broker, he discovered the title had been transferred to Kibaki's name five years prior. This revelation led to a physical altercation in Karatina Town and a bitter estrangement between the former friends. Njiiri reported the matter to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) earlier this year, but after months without progress, he grew frustrated.
On the evening of his death, Njiiri was at Makuti Bar in Karatina Town. His son, Mark Njiiri, stated that his father had spent most of the day searching for eggs for his hens before stopping at the bar to relax. M-Pesa records show Njiiri paid his bill around 7:40 PM EAT before leaving the establishment. The following morning, his body was discovered in a banana plantation, approximately 20 metres from his home's entrance.
A post-mortem examination conducted at Nyeri County Referral Hospital revealed that Njiiri died from multiple blows to the head inflicted with a blunt object. Initially, detectives suspected a robbery, as Njiiri's Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and several household electronics were missing. Police believe the attackers first assaulted his wife, locking her in the bedroom, before ambushing Njiiri upon his return. He was repeatedly hit on the head and dragged to the banana plantation, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Central Region DCI boss Dr. Abraham Mugambi indicated that investigators believe the suspects planned to smuggle the deceased's vehicle to Uganda. Police initially arrested 15 suspects, releasing 10 after determining they were not directly involved. On Thursday, October 16, 2025, the High Court in Nyeri ordered mental assessments for the five remaining suspects before their trial commences.
This tragic incident occurs amidst a concerning trend of violent crime in Kenya. In 2024, Kenya recorded 446 murders, with 219 cases involving victims hacked or stabbed to death. Nairobi County led in reported murder cases with 72, followed by Nakuru with 32, and Kiambu with 29. Land disputes were cited as the motive in 16 murder cases in 2024.
The criminal justice process in Kenya typically begins with a complaint lodged at a police station, followed by an investigation, arrest, and formal charging of a suspect. An arrested person must be presented in court within 24 hours, or on the next court day if the 24-hour period falls outside ordinary court hours. For serious crimes like murder, bail is generally not granted at the police bond stage.
While five suspects have been apprehended, the full extent of their involvement and any other potential accomplices remain under investigation. The motive behind the alleged plan to smuggle Njiiri's vehicle to Uganda also requires further clarification. The mental assessments ordered by the court will be crucial in determining the next steps in the legal proceedings.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of unresolved disputes and the importance of a robust justice system. What to watch next includes the outcome of the mental assessments, the formal charges to be brought against the suspects, and the commencement of the trial in the Nyeri High Court.
