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Rita Waeni murder: DCI appeals for help in tracing key suspect

Rita Waeni's was one of at least 16 femicides recorded in Kenya in January, which sparked a series of protests led by human rights groups. (Photo: EV)

By Mary Wambui | 24 Apr 2024

DCI says detailed statements by persons of interest have been recorded and more data sourced from digital platforms to ensure all leads are used.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has appealed for information to help trace the key suspect in the murder of JKUAT student Rita Waeni in her apartment in Roysambu, Nairobi, in January.

In a statement accompanied by a screen grab of the suspect, as captured on CCTV outside the apartment, the DCI said on Wednesday that its probe had zeroed in on the person who committed the heinous act.

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"The Homicide Directorate calls upon anyone who can identify the man whose images (though blurry) appear on this post, to come forward and share information that may assist in his arrest," the DCI said.

"Although his identity remains unknown, it has been established that he first initiated communication with the late Waeni on October 2, 2023, through an Instagram account in the name of Carlton Maina (pseudo), a name that was later changed several times and finally pulled down immediately after the heinous murder."

Waeni, a third-year student at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, stayed with her aunt in Syokimau, Nairobi. That fateful January 13, she left home at 3 pm, never to return.

"Elaborate forensic analyses have so far been done by the investigating team, capturing the deceased's last moments and linking probable suspects to her murder," the DCI said.

APPEAL FOR INFORMATION

The DCI Homicide detectives are at advanced stages of investigation of the monstrous murder of Miss Rita Waeni, 20, whose young life was ended in January 2024 by yet to be arrested cold-blooded killer(s).

Before her tragic death, Rita Waeni, a third-year… pic.twitter.com/qdU7xq5cEh
— DCI KENYA (@DCI_Kenya) April 24, 2024

It added that detailed statements by persons of interest have been recorded and more data sourced from digital platforms to ensure that all leads are used.

"Unfortunately, the prime suspect in the murder, a man only captured by CCTV cameras walking Rita to her scene of death, remains in the holes, and the DCI Homicide team is sparing no resource in his pursuit, in its endeavour to expedite the delivery of justice for the young soul and provide closure for the family."

According to the DCI, the suspect is believed to have visited several hotels in Nairobi West in October 2023 and the Green House Airbnb, on the TRM Drive in Roysambu, on November 7 and 11 that year.

"He is also believed to have a criminal mind, evidenced by his way of evading CCTV cameras. He is fluent in Swahili and English and has knowledge of Nairobi and its environs," the DCI said.

"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."

Waeni's body parts were dumped in a dustbin and her head was found days later inside a dam on the outskirts of the city.

Hers was one of at least 16 femicides recorded in Kenya in January, which sparked a series of protests led by human rights groups.

Early in March, all the suspects arrested in connection to Waeni's murder were released from police custody for lack of proof.