Fresh details have emerged in the mysterious death of a Murang’a man after detectives revealed what he was doing in the hours leading up to the brutal attack that claimed his life.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), 35-year-old Nicasio Ngugi was last seen in good health on the evening of May 31, 2026, at Ichagaki Market in Murang’a County. At around 8:30 p.m., Ngugi reportedly finished a Sh30 serving of potent local alcohol before informing those around him that he was heading home.
What appeared to be an ordinary end to the day would soon turn into a chilling mystery.
Investigators say Ngugi made a brief stop at a nearby miraa kiosk before disappearing into the darkness on his journey to Kiriti Village. Hours later, tragedy struck.
In a shocking turn of events, Ngugi reportedly arrived home nearly 12 hours later in a horrifying condition. He was severely injured, exhausted, and bleeding profusely from wounds on his face and head. Family members rushed him to Maragua Level Four Hospital, hoping doctors could save his life.
Despite efforts to treat him, Ngugi succumbed to his injuries at around 8:30 a.m. the following morning.
A postmortem examination later revealed the extent of the violence he endured. Medical experts found multiple stab wounds on his face and head and confirmed that severe bleeding in the brain was the direct cause of death.
As detectives work to piece together his final movements, a conversation Ngugi had shortly before his death has drawn attention. His friend, Joseph Kamau, disclosed that Ngugi had recently confided in him about personal and family pressures.
Kamau said he advised his friend to consider settling down through marriage in hopes of finding stability. Ngugi reportedly laughed and replied that he was searching for a woman between the ages of 25 and 31, preferably one with one or two young children. Neither man knew that would be their last conversation.
The DCI has classified the case as a violent assault resulting in death and is investigating several possible motives, including robbery, a failed transaction, a love-related dispute, or a premeditated attack.
Adding another layer to the mystery, a local resident, Jacob Mwangi, reported hearing a heated confrontation near the scene. He claimed he overheard demands for money and threats linked to an alleged payment for killing someone. Moments later, he heard desperate screams before seeing two individuals flee in opposite directions.
Two men have already been questioned by detectives, but both denied any involvement.
Ngugi’s mother, Lucy Njeri, painfully recalled how her son arrived home barely conscious before being rushed to hospital. Struggling to contain her grief, she appealed to authorities to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
The bartender who served Ngugi his final drink described him as a peaceful regular customer who left the premises without any signs of trouble.
As investigators continue their search for answers, the circumstances surrounding Ngugi’s final hours remain shrouded in mystery, leaving his family and the community desperately waiting for justice and the truth behind his tragic death.
