Police in Embakasi Sub-County have detained a man suspected of stabbing his 16-year-old stepdaughter to death in Mukuru Kwa Njenga. 

The suspect, Wycliffe Barongo Nyabuti, is accused of repeatedly raping the minor before allegedly ending her life on Sunday. 

According to the suspect’s wife, Barongo purchased the knife used in the murder two weeks prior. 

Barongo reportedly stabbed the teenager multiple times in the stomach, hands, and chest.

The motive behind this brutal act remains unclear, but it is suspected that Barongo was driven by fear of being exposed for allegedly abusing the victim.

“Alimdunga kwa tumbo mara mbili, kwa mkono was left mara moja...mara nne. Mtoto aliaga saa tano tukampeleka mortuary,” Regina Nkatha, Joy's mother lamented.

According to the girl's mother, she had long harboured suspicions about Barongo's inappropriate behaviour towards her daughter but never anticipated such a tragic outcome.

“Nimewai shuku anatamani mtoto…alikuwa anataka kurape mtoto. Nilisense pia vile mtoto akimuomba kitu huwa hamnyimi,” she said.

"Nilimsomea and nikamwambia arekebishe ama nitoe mtoto hapo."

It is reported that Barongo waited until everyone had left for church before attacking Joy. He reportedly turned up the television volume to drown out her cries for help. 

“Mtoto alikuwa amevaa nguo akijitayarisha kuenda kanisa...kwa sababu ata nguo alikuwa nazo zilikuwa zimejaa damu,” said Mary Gacheri, the victim’s aunt.

One neighbour, who requested anonymity, recounted hearing distressing noises and encountering the suspect in the aftermath.

“Niliskia kelele kwenda kubisha akanipoint na kisu. Niliskuma mlango na nikaona msichana amelala chini...mzee hakuniongelesha,” said the neighbour.

Despite the girl's previous complaints about her stepfather's behaviour, her mother never imagined he would commit such a heinous crime. 

Barongo was rescued by police from an angry mob baying for his blood and is currently detained at Embakasi police station, where he faces murder charges. 

The victim’s body was taken to the city mortuary awaiting autopsy.