The slain Kamaindi chief, Japhet Majau was on Friday laid to rest at his Kigatuni village in Chuka Igamba Ng’ombe
constituency during which he was eulogized as a committed and diligent civil servant.
In a burial attended by Tharaka Nithi County Commissioner, Beverly Opwora, Governor Muthomi Njuki and area MP, Patrick Munene, residents were assured that justice will be meted out to those who caused the administrator’s death.
Until his demise, the 59-year-old chief was the pastor of his local Mbaria Evangelical church and doubled as the National General Secretary of Evangelical churches.
The deceased, who became a chief in 1999, leaves behind his wife Ms. Gladys Majau and four children, Justin Mugao, Eliud Muchiri, John Mwenda and Fridah Gacheri.
Ms. Opwora said 13 people had so far been arrested in connection with the murder of the chief and asked residents to volunteer information that would help in arresting more culprits.
“I am calling on anyone with information regarding the killing of the chief to report at the police station to help in
investigations,” Opwora said.
Njuki said the entire Kamaindi community should not be condemned for mistakes done by a few people.
He pleaded with residents who fled their homes after GSU officers were deployed at the area to hunt for suspects to return home assuring them that no innocent person would be intimidated.
The Chief was killed on April 30 at his brother’s home where he had gone to solve a dispute between the chief’s brother who had detained some goats belonging to a villager.
He had been sent by Igamba Ng’ombe Deputy County Commissioner, Fred Masinjila who had received complaints from the villagers accusing Gikware Mukengu of refusing to release the goats that had trespassed into his farm.
This is said to have reignited a long lasting row between the chief’s family and the villagers resulting to his gruesome killing of the villagers who set his body ablaze.
The death of the chief led to killing of Chuka OCS Joseph Kinyua at Ugweri market in the neighbouring Embu County on May 1 where he was on a mission to arrest one of the suspects, David Ikaaba who was shot dead after reportedly attacking the police Inspector.
Akin to the late chief and who had accompanied the OCS was attacked by a mob and later succumbed to injuries while receiving treatment at Tenri Hospital.
Meanwhile, nine suspects will have to undergo a mental assessment before plea taking against murder charges on May 23.
Chuka court yesterday directed that the nine, Gerald Njeru, Julius Mburu, Leah Muthoni, Sisiria Katora, John Nthiga, Julius Njeru, Jornard Njagi Kibiubi, Jediel Munyua and Tom Kinyua be held at Chuka police station until Thursday next week.
By Kenneth Marangu
