Authorities have confirmed that body parts recovered from River Sagana in Kirinyaga County belong to Lucy Wamaitha, a 32-year-old woman who went missing in January this year. The confirmation follows DNA tests that matched the remains to Wamaitha’s mother, Nancy Wambui.
Wamaitha, who was employed by a Kiambu-based non-governmental organization (NGO), had traveled to Meru County for work on January 16 alongside her boss and a workmate. However, she was never seen again after that trip. Investigations indicate that she was last spotted having lunch with a man in Embu town before her phone was switched off later that afternoon.
On January 22, authorities discovered mutilated and partially burned body parts inside a bag in River Sagana, deepening suspicions of foul play. Notably, Wamaitha’s head was missing when the remains were retrieved, raising further concerns about the brutality of the crime.
Following extensive investigations, police arrested a key suspect, whom they are treating as the prime suspect in the case. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) homicide unit has taken over the probe, with detectives working to establish whether the suspect acted alone or had accomplices.
Thika police boss Lawrence Muchangi confirmed that the suspect would be arraigned in Thika court on Monday, March 24, to face murder charges. Authorities are also interrogating him in an attempt to recover other missing body parts and establish the motive behind the gruesome killing.
“We do not know if he acted alone, and that is what we are working on to establish. We also want to recover other missing body parts,” Muchangi said.
Meanwhile, Wamaitha’s family is seeking justice for their loved one, urging law enforcement agencies to expedite investigations and ensure all those responsible for her murder are held accountable. The shocking nature of the crime has sent shockwaves across the community, with many calling for swift action against the perpetrators.
As investigations continue, the case has highlighted concerns over the safety of individuals traveling for work assignments and the need for enhanced security measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
