The Directorate of Criminal Investigations is urging Kenyans to provide information to assist in apprehending the main suspect in the murder case of Rita Waeni.
"The Homicide detectives are at advanced stages of investigation," said the DCI, regarding Waeni's murder, which occurred in January 2024.
Waeni's dismembered body was discovered in black bags in a Roysambu apartment dustbin, with her body having been dismembered using a hacksaw.
Before her untimely demise, Waeni, a third-year student at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, was residing with her aunt in Syokimau, Nairobi.
"She left the home at 3 pm on January 13, 2024, never to return alive," stated the DCI.
CCTV footage showing the man walking with Waeni towards the room where she was found dead in Roysambu has been obtained by the DCI.
Elaborate forensic analyses have been conducted, capturing the deceased's final moments and linking potential suspects to her murder, according to the DCI.
"Furthermore, detailed statements from persons of interest have been recorded, and additional data sourced from digital platforms to ensure that all leads to Rita's killer(s) are pursued," added the DCI.
Blurred images of the suspect have been released by the DCI to facilitate identification by Kenyans.
"In its quest for justice and closure for the family, the Homicide Directorate urges anyone who can identify the man depicted in the blurry images to come forward and provide information that may aid in his apprehension," stated the DCI.
Although the suspect's identity remains unknown, it has been established that he first made contact with the late Waeni on October 2, 2023, through an Instagram account under the name Carlton Maina (pseudo), which was later changed multiple times and eventually deactivated immediately after the murder.
The suspect is thought to have visited various hotels in Nairobi West in October 2023 and an Airbnb in Roysambu along TRM Drive on November 7 and November 11, 2023.
"He is believed to possess a criminal mindset, evident in his evasion of CCTV cameras. He is fluent in Swahili and English and familiar with Nairobi and its surroundings."
"To share any information on the suspect's identity or whereabouts, please #FichuakwaDCI through our toll-free hotline 0800 722 203, or report to any police station or police officer," concluded the DCI.
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