- Before her tragic death, Waeni, a third-year student at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology was staying with her aunt at Syokimau in Nairobi.
- "She left the home at 3pm on January 13, 2024, never to return alive," DCI said.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations now wants Kenyans to volunteer information that will help in the arrest of the prime suspect in the murder of Rita Waeni.
The DCI said the Homicide detectives are at advanced stages of investigation on Waeni's murder, whose life was ended in January 2024.
Her dismembered body was found in black bags in the Roysambu apartment dustbin. Her body had been chopped up with a hacksaw.
Before her tragic death, the third-year student at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology was staying with her aunt at Syokimau in Nairobi.
"She left the home at 3 pm on January 13, 2024, never to return alive," DCI said.
DCI has since obtained CCTV footage of the man walking with Waeni towards a room where she was found dead in Roysambu.
According to DCI, 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.
"Further, detailed statements by persons of interest have been recorded and more data sourced from digital platforms to ensure that all leads to Rita's killer(s) are utilized," DCI said.
The DCI have released blurry images of the suspect in a bid to enable Kenyans to identify him.
"In its endeavour to expedite the delivery of justice to the young soul and provide closure to the family, 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."
DCI highlighted that 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).
The name was later changed several times and finally pulled down immediately after the heinous murder.
The suspect is believed to have visited several hotels in Nairobi West in October 2023 and an Airbnb located in Roysambu along TRM Drive on November 7 and November 11, 2023.
"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."
"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."