MURANG’A COUNTY — Police in Murang’a County, Kenya, are facing the perplexing task of unraveling the mystery behind the death of a 50-year-old charcoal dealer, Patrick Mwaura. His body was discovered stuffed in two sacks atop a burning charcoal kiln. Mwaura was a well-known figure in the county’s charcoal trade, buying trees to burn for charcoal and sell.

The body was found on the property of Jane Kabura, who sold Mwaura trees worth Sh25,000 on credit. Mwaura reportedly cut the trees into logs and placed them in the earthen kiln to prepare for charcoal burning. Kabura’s son, Mburu Kang’ethe, stated that Mwaura would often stand guard near his burning charcoal sites.

Contradictory information emerged from Mwaura’s son, Samuel Kamau, who said his father had a rented house in Maragua town and would return home after work. Kamau also mentioned that his father was knowledgeable about the dangers of carbon monoxide and doubted he would have slept on the kiln.

The body showed signs of burns and had blood oozing from the mouth, nostrils, and ears. Liquid and solid excretions were also found. The police are investigating the possibility of murder, suicide, or accidental death.

However, concerns have been raised about the handling of the crime scene. The body was moved from its initial location, potentially compromising the investigation. The police did not remove the bags containing the body, and neighbors reportedly burnt them, destroying crucial evidence. The body has been taken to the Murang’a County Mortuary for a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death.

The charcoal trade is vital in many parts of Kenya, and this incident has left the local community and authorities puzzled as they seek to uncover the circumstances surrounding Patrick Mwaura’s tragic death.