By Grace Gilo.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has exposed the images of the prime suspect in Rita Waeni’s murder.
The DCI has informed the public that the homicide detectives are currently in the advanced stages of investigating the brutal murder of Miss Rita Waeni.
Rita was a 20-year-old whose life was tragically cut short in January 2024 by a cold-blooded killer who is yet to be apprehended.
Before her untimely demise, Rita Waeni, a third-year student at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, was residing with her aunt in Syokimau, Nairobi.
She left her home at 3 pm on January 13, 2024, never to return.
“Elaborate forensic analyses have so far been done by the investigating team, capturing the deceased’s last moments and linking probable suspects to her murder,” noted the DCI.
“Detailed statements by persons of interest have been recorded and more data sourced from digital platforms to ensure that all leads to Rita’s killer(s) are utilized,” added the DCI.
A man who is the main suspect in the homicide was captured by CCTV cameras escorting Rita to the location of her death and is still at large.
According to DCI, the homicide team is fully committed to tracking him down, sparing no effort or resources in the process.
“In its endeavor to expedite the delivery of justice to the young soul and provide closure to the family, the Homicide Directorate calls upon anyone who can identify the man whose images (though blurry) appear on this post, to come forward and share information that may assist in his arrest,” wrote the DCI.
Although the suspect’s identity is still unknown, it has been established that he initiated contact with the late Rita Waeni on October 2, 2023.
The contact was done through an Instagram account under the alias Carlton Maina.
The username was subsequently changed multiple times and eventually deactivated right after the heinous crime took place.
The suspect is believed to have visited various hotels in Nairobi West in October 2023, as well as the Green House Airbnb situated in Roysambu along TRM Drive on 7th November and 11th November 2023.
“His actions suggest a criminal mindset, evident in his deliberate avoidance of surveillance cameras. The suspect is proficient in both Swahili and English. He also possesses knowledge of Nairobi and its surroundings,” noted DCI.
Rita was buried in a private burial ceremony on 5th February 2024.
Two suspects, William Ovie Opia and John Bull Asbour had been arrested concerning Waeni’s murder but were later released.
The DCI has requested the public to share any information on the suspect’s identity or whereabouts through their toll-free hotline number or report to any police station or police officer.