Detectives in Juja, Kiambu County, are investigating the murder of a 54-year-old caretaker whose body was found in a pool of blood at a construction site in Caanan.

Michael Kanyeria was discovered dead on Tuesday, September 15, after his brother reportedly went to visit him at his place of work and residence.

Juja police commander Isaac Kombo said detectives were investigating the motive for the killing and seeking to establish who was behind it.

Kombo said the deceased’s brother told police he found Kanyeria lying unresponsive inside a makeshift kitchen at the construction site.

The body was lying on its back, with a polythene sack covering the head. Police said Kanyeria had a fresh, deep open wound at the back of his head, which appeared to have caused the bleeding.

Bruise marks were also observed at the back of his neck.

Preliminary observations at the scene showed no visible signs of a struggle or disturbance in the surrounding area.

Investigators suspect the attacker or attackers may have approached Kanyeria from behind and struck him with a weapon. The weapon was not recovered at the scene.

The motive for the killing had not been established by Thursday.

The property owner, who lives in Ruiru along the Eastern Bypass, reportedly told police she was shocked by the incident.

She said she was unaware of any dispute or threats involving the property and that Kanyeria had not reported receiving threats or expressing fear for his life.

Scenes of Crime personnel from Juja processed and documented the scene before the body was moved to General Kago Mortuary in Thika. It is awaiting an autopsy.

Infant's body found in River Sagana

Meanwhile, police in Kirinyaga West are investigating the death of an infant whose body was found floating in River Sagana.

The body of the unidentified girl, estimated to be about one-and-a-half years old, was discovered on Tuesday, September 15, in Gituri village.

The child was partially dressed, and police said there were no visible physical injuries.

Scenes of Crime personnel processed the scene before members of the public assisted in retrieving the body from the river.

The remains were taken to Kerugoya Hospital mortuary, where they are being preserved pending identification and a postmortem examination.

Police have appealed to anyone with information that could help identify the child or establish the circumstances surrounding her death to come forward.