Nigerian Nationals Arrested in Connection with Gruesome Murder, Passport Irregularities Surface
In a startling turn of events, detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have brought forth new details in the heinous murder of 20-year-old Rita Waeni, shedding light on a case that has sent shockwaves through the nation. Two Nigerian suspects were arraigned at the Makadara Law Courts on Monday, distinct from the individual captured on CCTV footage accessing a short-stay accommodation in Roysambu, where Waeni met her tragic end.
Presenting his findings in court, Benjamin Wangila, a detective from Kasarani DCI, disclosed that the newly apprehended suspects resided in Ndenderu, Kiambu County, the same vicinity where Waeni’s severed head was discovered. Notably, the suspects were found to be in the country illegally, their passports having expired. Meanwhile, the initial arrestee had attempted to flee using a counterfeit passport.
Diverging from the appearance of the CCTV-captured suspect, the individuals in court had a darker skin tone, adding a layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation. The court also learned that the suspects were seized with several items during their arrest, including a hatchet, a butcher’s knife, three laptops, six mobile phones, a Kenyan national identity card, and 10 SIM cards, all now held as potential evidence.
During the court proceedings, one of the suspects claimed to have purchased the weapons for self-defense from an e-commerce platform. In light of these developments, Wangila is now seeking access to call data records from the service provider, aiming to ascertain whether the newly detained individuals were involved in Waeni’s brutal murder.
To facilitate an uninterrupted investigation, the detective requested an eight-day detention of the suspects at the Kasarani Police Station, citing concerns that they posed a flight risk. Senior Principal Magistrate Agnes Mwangi granted this request, extending the custody of the suspects until January 31.
Rita Waeni’s tragic demise had initially shocked the nation due to the gruesome nature of the crime. Her dismembered body was discovered discarded in a garbage bin. Disturbingly, she was last seen in the company of a Nigerian national, suspected to be her assailant, at a rental house. The perpetrator reportedly fled with Waeni’s head, demanding a ransom of Ksh500,000 from her grief-stricken parents for her safe release. Tragically, the ransom was not met, leading to the untimely death of the young student.
As the investigation unfolds, the nation watches with bated breath, hoping for justice to be served in the face of such a horrific crime.