In the tranquil outskirts of Kiria ini market in Mathioya, Murang’a County, a chilling tale of betrayal, jealousy, and cold-blooded murder unfolded.
The names Solomon Mwangi Mbuthi and Jane Muthoni Mbuthi etched their way into the annals of crime history, revealing a web of secrets and lies that led to a tragic end.
A Mysterious Disappearance
The timeline was marked by the inexplicable disappearance of Solomon Mwangi Mbuthi, the esteemed principal of Kiru Boys High School.
On November 7, 2016, as the academic community anticipated his arrival at the Mathioya Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) depot, a cloud of uncertainty descended.
The search for Solomon was initiated, spearheaded by then Interior and National Coordination Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Fred Matiang’i, and Murang’a County Commissioner, John Elungata.
The Grisly Discovery
The unraveling of this grim tale took a sinister turn when the body of Solomon Mwangi Mbuthi was unearthed on Karakuta Coffee Estate in Juja.
Homicide detectives stumbled upon his decomposing remains concealed within a gunny bag, shattering any lingering hopes of his safe return.
The discovery marked the beginning of a meticulous investigation into the circumstances leading to his untimely demise.
The Vengeful Wife
As the investigation delved deeper into Solomon’s life, a chilling narrative emerged involving his wife, Jane Muthoni Mbuthi.
A principal at Icaciri Secondary School in Gatundu, Kiambu County, Jane Muthoni was far from the supportive partner her husband might have hoped for.
Instead, a web of jealousy and suspicion began to take shape, fueled by perceived infidelity.
Margaret: The Enigmatic M-Pesa Agent
At the heart of this tragedy stood Margaret, an M-Pesa agent fondly known as Maggie.
Amidst the rumors and speculations, she emerged as a key figure in the narrative.
Operating her mobile money transfer services in Kiria ini market, she found herself entangled in a whirlwind of accusations and denials.
Margaret vehemently denied any romantic involvement with Solomon, asserting that he was merely one of her many clients.
The Web of Text Messages
Central to the prosecution’s case were a series of damning text messages exchanged between Jane Muthoni Mbuthi and Margaret.
The texts painted a vivid picture of jealousy and rage, as Jane confronted Margaret about her alleged affair with Solomon.
The messages were laced with venomous words and threats, a chilling testament to the depth of emotion that drove this narrative.
A Sinister Plot Unveiled
During the trial, details of a sinister plot to eliminate Margaret began to surface.
It was alleged that Jane Muthoni Mbuthi sought to have Margaret murdered by hired killers.
However, when initial attempts failed, the conspiracy escalated, culminating in the involvement of accomplices and co-conspirators. Isaac Ng’ang’a Wambui, alias Gikuyu, would later plead guilty and testify against Jane Muthoni, shedding light on the dark underbelly of the conspiracy.
The Verdict and Fallout
In 2021, justice was served as Jane Muthoni Mbuthi was sentenced to 30 years in prison for her role in the murder of her husband. Isaac Ng’ang’a Wambui received a seven-year sentence as part of a plea bargain agreement.
The trial exposed the depths of human depravity and the catastrophic consequences of unchecked jealousy and mistrust.
