Family Identifies Head As More Details Uncovered Unraveling the Horrifying Murder of JKUAT Student Rita Waeni
In a gruesome revelation, the chilling murder of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) student Rita Waeni Muendo has sent shockwaves through the nation. The latest updates from Chief Government Pathologist Johansen Oduor shed light on the brutality of the crime, revealing disturbing details surrounding Waeni’s demise.
Oduor confirmed on Thursday that a forensic DNA analysis will be conducted to verify the identity of the severed head discovered in a dam in Kiambaa, Kiambu County. This revelation comes after an inconclusive autopsy earlier in the week, where Oduor cited the killer’s meticulous plan to conceal evidence, making it challenging to determine signs of strangulation and blunt trauma on the dismembered body.
Upon closer examination of the severed head, Oduor provided alarming findings:
“The main findings are that it was chopped off on the neck at the level of C5 vertebrae. There was bruising on the scalp caused by a blunt object. Upon looking at the neck structure, we saw fractures on the bones.”
He unequivocally stated that the cause of death was strangulation, followed by decapitation, and the subsequent disposal of the body.
Waeni’s family positively identified the severed head at the City Mortuary in Nairobi, inspecting crucial features such as the forehead, hair, and teeth formation. The head, discovered by locals in a dam, had spent days submerged, concealing external marks and complicating the forensic analysis.
The autopsy of the head, initially scheduled for Tuesday, was postponed to allow detectives from the Homicide department at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to take charge of the case. Oduor expressed confidence in the forensic examination, emphasizing that the inner layers of the skin would provide essential evidence. He hinted at the professionalism of the killers, given the calculated nature of Waeni’s brutal murder.
In a significant development, two Nigerian suspects were apprehended and placed under custody at Kasarani Police Station. Detectives traced them to a flat in Ndenderu, Kiambu County, in close proximity to where the severed head was found. The police seized an axe, butcher’s knife, three laptops, and other items during the arrest. The suspects are set to remain in custody until January 31, 2024, awaiting court arraignment.
Meanwhile, the shocking details from the autopsy report, released on January 25, paint a grim picture of the circumstances leading to Waeni’s death. The 20-year-old JKUAT student was found brutally murdered at an apartment in Roysambu on January 14.
The family, devastated by the loss, revealed that Waeni was lured to the residential area, where the killer demanded a staggering Ksh500,000 ransom for her release. The family reported the matter to the police, initiating an investigation. Messages demanding ransom were sent from Waeni’s phone, creating a harrowing situation for her family.
The autopsy report by Oduor indicated that Waeni’s cause of death was strangulation, coupled with evidence of blunt trauma to the scalp. The missing nails on her body suggested an attempt to hide DNA evidence, adding another layer of mystery to the already perplexing case.
The investigation took a dark turn as occultism emerged as a potential motive. Detectives suspect a ritualistic element to the murder, prompting a broader inquiry into the possibility of similar killings driven by cult-like beliefs. The discovery of the severed head in a dam intensified suspicions of ritualistic practices.
As the nation grapples with the horror of Rita Waeni’s murder, unanswered questions linger, and the search for justice continues. The investigation, led by the DCI, aims to unravel the motives behind this heinous crime and bring the perpetrators to justice.
In the wake of this tragedy, communities and authorities are left to reflect on the broader implications of such crimes and the need for heightened vigilance against occult-related violence. The memory of Rita Waeni serves as a stark reminder of the darkness that can lurk within society, demanding collective efforts to ensure the safety of individuals and prevent the recurrence of such horrific incidents.