DCI Recover Body of Missing Riat Student as Prime Suspect Arrested

DCI detectives have recovered the decomposing body of a 21-year-old Riat College student in Riat Forest, days after she was reported missing, in a case that has shocked residents of Kisumu.

According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, the body, which bore multiple stab wounds, was discovered by officers from Kisumu West, Maseno Police Station and Riat Police Post following investigations into her disappearance.

Police said the recovery came after the arrest of the prime suspect, Steven Coleman Okoth, who is believed to have orchestrated the student’s assault and subsequent disappearance. The incident is reported to have occurred on the night of April 5 in the Milimani area.

Investigators said the victim’s disappearance was first noticed by her elder sister after repeated attempts to reach her by phone failed. Concern grew late into the night until a distress message was received, indicating the student had been lured into a drinking spree by two male colleagues, leaving her incapacitated.

Authorities say the victim was assaulted and later abandoned in a bush in critical condition before her phone went off, cutting off further communication.

Detectives launched investigations that traced the victim’s last known location to the Milimani area near Kenya Wildlife Service offices, but initial searches did not locate her.

The breakthrough came after investigators identified and arrested the suspect, described as the victim’s former boyfriend, who had reportedly been seen with her on the night she disappeared. Police said the suspect had also issued threats to the victim in the months leading up to the incident.

At the time of his arrest, officers recovered items believed to be crucial to the investigation, which have aided in the search for both the victim and additional suspects.

The suspect remains in custody and is expected to be arraigned in court, while police continue to pursue other individuals believed to have been involved.

The case has sparked concern over the safety of students, with authorities urging the public to report suspicious activities as investigations continue.