Police have finally arrested the prime suspect in the murder of 23-year-old Seth Nyakio Njeri, who is the daughter of Lucy Njeri, a nominated Member of the County Assembly (MCA) from Kirinyaga County. The suspect had been on the run for over a year since the October 2024 killing.
Ken Kimanthi Gichunuku, who is also known as “Sultan,” was apprehended by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Saturday. The arrest took place in Busia town, near the Kenya–Uganda border.
The discovery of Nyakio’s body on October 14, 2024, at a home in Thika’s Biafra Estate, led to Gichunuku immediately going into hiding. The sheer brutality of the murder, coupled with the fact that the victim was the child of a sitting public official, sparked national shock and widespread outrage.
Detectives successfully tracked down and apprehended the suspect at a cereal distribution store in Busia. This was a joint operation involving the DCI’s homicide unit and officers from Kisii South and Busia, who utilized forensic leads and investigative intelligence to locate the individual.
Gichunuku, who had been wanted for over a year, was finally apprehended after allegedly escaping capture on two separate occasions despite repeated public appeals for assistance in locating him.
An autopsy revealed that Nyakio died from strangulation and asphyxia, with visible bruises suggesting a struggle with her attacker.
Before his arrest, Gichunuku was publicly identified by the DCI as the main suspect and was described as dangerous. His criminal record included a 2024 case where he faced charges for making a death threat.
The killing triggered widespread public anxiety and concern regarding the pattern of young women being murdered, often shortly after their disappearance. This tragic event fueled demands for more effective measures to combat femicide and violence against women across the country.
The funeral for Nyakio in October 2024 served as a platform for mourners and community members to demand justice and swift action from law enforcement. County officials, including Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, were present at the event. During the emotional service, the victim’s mother confidently stated her belief that the authorities would apprehend the perpetrators.
Gichunuku remains in police custody as investigations continue. He is currently being processed before a formal court arraignment. The DCI has indicated that further charges could be filed as investigators work to build a comprehensive case for prosecution.
This arrest represents a major victory in a case that captivated the country. It highlights enhanced collaboration between law enforcement and forensic teams, leading to the apprehension of a long-pursued suspect and offering a sense of resolution to the grieving family and community.
