Officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) arrested a suspect linked to a murder case while attempting to flee to Uganda.
In a statement released by DCI on July 12, 2026, the suspect named Kanini Gathu was nabbed along the Nanyuki–Isiolo Road while he was trying to flee to the neighbouring country.
“Detectives from the DCI Homicide Investigations Bureau have arrested the prime suspect in the brutal murder of 25-year-old Joy Kanini Gathu, bringing to an end an intelligence-led manhunt that culminated in Timau, Meru County,” the DCI statement said.
“The suspect, John Nderitu Mureithi, was arrested on the night of July 10, 2026, along the Nanyuki–Isiolo Road while allegedly attempting to flee to Uganda.”
Search and arrest
The DCI detectives conducted a search immediately after his arrest, which led to the recovery of four mobile phones, among them the deceased’s handset, which has been secured as a key exhibit in the ongoing investigation. The suspect was subsequently booked at Kiganjo Police Station.
“During interrogation, detectives established that on June 9, 2026, a confrontation between the suspect and the deceased inside his house in Ngangarithi Estate, Nyeri, turned fatal,” the statement added.
“Investigations further established that the suspect later dismembered the body and disposed of the remains at different locations in a calculated attempt to conceal the crime and frustrate investigations.”
The suspect is expected to be presented before court on Monday, July 13, 2026, as detectives seek custodial orders to facilitate completion of the investigation.
“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations extends its heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Joy Kanini Gathu and remains steadfast in its commitment to conducting thorough, fair and impartial investigations to ensure justice is served.”
