Written by Alice Njoki
Nyeri Town is in shock and mourning after the disappearance and murder of seven-year-old Tamara Blessing Kabura, a daughter of a local trader. Tamara went missing on Friday, May 23, 2025, near the main open-air market where her mother and grandmother trade. A frantic search lasted four days before CCTV footage from a nearby shop revealed her last known moments walking with Nicholas Julius Macharia, a porter known locally as “Macha” or “Beba Beba”.
Following the footage, locals identified Macharia and alerted police, who arrested him swiftly. Upon interrogation, Macharia led officers to his home in Witemere slums, where Tamara’s lifeless body was found buried in a gunny bag beneath his bed. Tools believed to have been used for the burial were also recovered.
The discovery sparked outrage in Nyeri. Residents stormed the suspect’s home and later the Nyeri Central Police Station, carrying Tamara’s body and demanding justice. Police used tear gas to disperse the angry crowd, who accused authorities of failing to protect children and called for urgent action against rising child disappearances and violence.
Tamara’s mother, Susan Wanjiru, expressed deep grief and disbelief, recalling the last time she saw her daughter playing with another child. She had no idea what happened after that until the tragic discovery. The suspect had even pretended to help in the search, adding to the community’s shock.
Nyeri Town Sub-county Police Commander Andrew Mugo thanked the public for their assistance and assured that investigations are ongoing. The suspect remains in custody and will be arraigned in court once the probe is complete.
This case has drawn widespread attention and calls for stronger child protection measures in Nyeri and beyond.