Mystery woman vanishes as Kirinyaga businessman found dead in car

Police at a crime scene./AI ILLUSTRATION

A night out turned tragic after a Kirinyaga businessman was found dead in his car following a suspected drink-spiking incident, as police launch a manhunt for those behind the killing.

The victim, identified as 35-year-old Alfred Muriithi Muriuki, was discovered unresponsive on Sunday morning in the Gathoge area of Kirinyaga County.

Police said his car was found parked along the Difathas–Gituto murram road in Njukiini, with the engine still running and the doors open.

Inside, Muriuki was seated in the driver’s seat, slumped to the left and unconscious, with visible vomit on his cheek.

He was rushed to hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

Witnesses told investigators that shortly before the discovery, an unidentified woman had been seen hurriedly leaving the vehicle, carrying a bag and heading towards Difathas shopping centre.

Detectives now believe the businessman may have been drugged.

Police have launched a murder investigation and are working to establish the substance used.

A team of investigators has already visited a club where Muriuki had spent several hours on Saturday night into Sunday morning.

Officers reviewed CCTV footage as they attempted to trace individuals, including women believed to have been with him before the incident.

By Monday morning, no arrests had been made, but police said they were pursuing key leads.

The body was moved to the mortuary, where a post-mortem examination is expected to provide more details on the cause of death.

Authorities say cases of drink-spiking have been on the rise in entertainment joints, with some victims losing their lives after being heavily drugged.

Others have suffered severe effects from the substances used.

Police have warned members of the public to remain vigilant, especially when socialising, and to stay in the company of trusted friends.

Officials said a specialised team has been deployed to track and dismantle criminal networks linked to such incidents, amid growing concern over the trend.