A murder suspect who allegedly fled after the killing of a Form Four student in Molo has been arrested following a manhunt by detectives.
Walter Kipkoech, 23, was traced to a hideout in Lagwenda village, Kuresoi North. Detectives from Molo, working with officers from the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau at the Regional Criminal Investigations Headquarters in the Rift Valley, arrested him there.
Kipkoech had reportedly fled after the death of 18-year-old Joy Wangui, a Form Four student at Molo Secondary School. Her body was found inside a house in the Kiambaa area of Moto Location.
Her brother had briefly gone to a nearby shop. On returning, he found her lying in a pool of blood in the kitchen, with her head severed from her body.
Detectives recovered an axe, a panga and two knives near the body. The weapons were reportedly stained with blood.
Her head was later found in the corridor. A message had allegedly been written on the wall in blood: “I love you Joy but never cheat, am sorry.”
Investigators identified Kipkoech as Wangui’s boyfriend and are examining whether a relationship dispute may have been a motive.
At the time of his arrest, Kipkoech was reportedly wearing a bloodstained boxer, a white T-shirt bearing Wangui’s name at the hem, and black jeans with visible dried bloodstains.
He was taken to Molo Police Station for processing ahead of arraignment. Detectives say investigations are ongoing.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) extended its condolences to Wangui’s family, relatives and friends, and said it would continue working to establish the circumstances of her death and ensure anyone found responsible faces the law.
