Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested the prime suspect in the murder of 25-year-old Joy Kanini Gathu, bringing to an end an intelligence-led manhunt that ended in Timau, Meru County.
According to DCI, the suspect identified as John Nderitu Mureithi was was apprehended after the police found out that he was along the Nanyuki-Isiolo Road on the night of July 10 2026 where he was allegedly attempting to flee to Uganda.
Following his arrest, detectives conducted a search and seized four phones, including the deceased handset which investigators have secured as a key exhibit in the case. The suspect was later booked at Kiganjo Police Station.
The initial reports revealed that the attack happened on June 9, 2026 following a confrontation between the suspect and Joy Kanini Gathu inside the suspect’s house in Ngangarithi Estate, Nyeri County.
And, the police say that after the murder, the man cut up the dead body of the lady and threw the pieces in various places to hide the crime and mislead the detectives.
The suspect is expected to be arraigned on Monday, July 13, 2026, where detectives will seek custodial orders to allow them to complete investigations before charging him.
The DCI promised that it will continue to investigate this matter deeply, fairly, and impartially so that the perpetrator may be brought to justice.
Investigations into the case remain ongoing.