Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested the prime suspect linked to the murder of 25-year-old Joy Kanini Gathu in an intelligence-led operation that ended in Timau, Meru County.
The suspect, identified as John Nderitu Mureithi, was arrested on the night of July 10, 2026, along the Nanyuki–Isiolo Road while allegedly attempting to flee to Uganda, according to the DCI.
The arrest followed a manhunt by detectives from the DCI Homicide Investigations Bureau after the killing of Kanini, whose death sparked public attention.
A search conducted after the arrest led to the recovery of four mobile phones, including a handset belonging to the deceased. The DCI said the phone had been secured as a key exhibit in the ongoing investigations.
The suspect was later booked at Kiganjo Police Station as detectives continued with investigations into the circumstances surrounding the killing.
According to the DCI, preliminary investigations established that a confrontation between Mureithi and Kanini inside his house in Ngangarithi Estate, Nyeri, on June 9, 2026, turned fatal.
Detectives further allege that the suspect later attempted to conceal the crime by disposing of the victim’s remains at different locations.
The suspect is expected to appear before court on Monday, July 13, 2026, where investigators will seek custodial orders to allow them to complete the probe.
The DCI expressed condolences to Kanini’s family and friends, saying it remains committed to conducting thorough investigations to ensure justice is served.
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