A Tanzanian national is in police custody in connection with the murder of Alice Riang'a, a 20-year-old second-year Education student at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST), whose body was found dumped in a forest in the Barkowino area of Bondo, Siaya County.
The suspect was arrested on Monday at around noon, according to a police report from Bondo Police Station. The breakthrough came after the victim's body, initially reported as unidentified, was positively identified by her father, allowing detectives to link the suspect to the crime.
Riang'a, also known as Alice, was last seen on Thursday before her phone went silent. Relatives launched a frantic search, circulating her photos on social media, hoping to find her alive. The search ended in grief when her body was discovered in the forest under unclear circumstances. Detectives are investigating an older male acquaintance as the prime suspect.
News of the discovery sparked immediate outrage. Approximately 700 JOOUST students staged a peaceful demonstration in Bondo town, marching toward the police station before proceeding to the mortuary to view their colleague's body. Authorities confirmed no incidents were recorded during the protest.
The university's Director of Student Support Services, Mary Onditi, confirmed the arrest in a statement. "The Regional Police Commander has called to inform the university that the suspect has been apprehended and is already in police custody," she said.
The killing comes barely two weeks after the murder of Connie Githinji, found dead at a Kileleshwa Airbnb in Nairobi, reigniting national debate on femicide and violence against young women in Kenya. Investigations into Riang'a's death are ongoing.
The suspect was arrested on Monday at around noon, according to a police report from Bondo Police Station. The breakthrough came after the victim's body, initially reported as unidentified, was positively identified by her father, allowing detectives to link the suspect to the crime.
Riang'a, also known as Alice, was last seen on Thursday before her phone went silent. Relatives launched a frantic search, circulating her photos on social media, hoping to find her alive. The search ended in grief when her body was discovered in the forest under unclear circumstances. Detectives are investigating an older male acquaintance as the prime suspect.
News of the discovery sparked immediate outrage. Approximately 700 JOOUST students staged a peaceful demonstration in Bondo town, marching toward the police station before proceeding to the mortuary to view their colleague's body. Authorities confirmed no incidents were recorded during the protest.
The university's Director of Student Support Services, Mary Onditi, confirmed the arrest in a statement. "The Regional Police Commander has called to inform the university that the suspect has been apprehended and is already in police custody," she said.
The killing comes barely two weeks after the murder of Connie Githinji, found dead at a Kileleshwa Airbnb in Nairobi, reigniting national debate on femicide and violence against young women in Kenya. Investigations into Riang'a's death are ongoing.
