The family of the 20-year-old victim, whose life was tragically cut short in a heinous incident at an Airbnb along TRM Drive in Roysambu, has chosen to break their silence regarding the brutal murder of their beloved daughter.
The victim, identified as Rita Waeni Muendo, was a student at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), as disclosed by her grieving family. On the ill-fated day, Rita left her aunt’s residence in Syokimau to meet a friend. Around 5 am on Sunday, her father received a distressing text message through her phone.
The ominous message demanded a payment of Ksh 500k within 24 hours for her release. The family promptly reported the matter to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), initiating a thorough investigation. Subsequently, two additional messages seeking ransom were received, although the family was unable to obtain further details regarding the demands.
Tragically, the family disclosed that additional demands were made even after Rita had been murdered. They believe that she was lured by her assailant, who callously attempted to extort money from the family even after committing the heinous act.
The family fondly remembered Rita as an “intelligent, smart girl beyond her age at the very start of her youth.” She was known for her kindness, infectious laughter, and the ability to brighten any room she entered.
Detectives revealed that the victim and the suspect allegedly connected on the social media platform Instagram. Recently, investigators released CCTV footage capturing the primary suspect in the brutal murder. The footage showed the man conversing on his phone before entering a shop adjacent to the Airbnb.
The manager of the Airbnb, where the suspect had booked the premises on Saturday at 3 pm, reported receiving a call from the caretaker who discovered suspicious polythene trash bags containing body parts.
In a recent development, a male foreign national was apprehended at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on suspicion of involvement in the murder. The suspect, traveling with a Mozambican passport, was intercepted before boarding a plane.
Detectives are still diligently searching for Rita’s head and personal belongings, including her clothes and mobile phone.
In this difficult time, heartfelt condolences go out to the grieving family, and may Rita’s soul rest in peace.
