The murdered 20-year-old female has been identified as Rita Waeni Muendo. She was preparing for her final year at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology (JKUAT). While addressing media on Wednesday, Ms. Waeni’s family says she has departed so soon.
“It is with profound sorrow and broken hearts that we, the Mutea family, address the media today. Our beautiful Waeni, a radiant soul in our lives, was tragically taken from us far too soon,” a statement from the family says.
According to her family, she left her Aunt’s Syokimau residence on Saturday to meet a friend. Her father however around 5PM the same day, received an SMS demanding for a KSH. 500,000 ransom for her release.
One condition in the message was that the ransom should be paid within 24 hours. The family however reported the matter to the DCI and investigations began. Hours later on Sunday morning, news of a gruesome murder broke in Roysambu and the family was sent into panic.
“After a painful and futile search, working with the DCI, we positively identified our child, as the girl tragically murdered at the wake of Sunday morning at/or around Thika Road Mall, January 14, “the family statement reads further.
Even after Waeni was murdered, the family reveals that more demands were made. “We believe she was lured by her killer, who also tried to extort money from her family, even after killing her,” the family says.
Detectives are still searching for Ms. Waeni’s head and her personal belongings including her clothes and mobile phone.
The family has eulogized Waeni as an intelligent, smart girl beyond her age at the very start of her youth.
“She was a spirited and caring individual, known for her unwavering kindness, infectious laughter, and ability to light up any room she entered,” the family has said.
Waeni’s family has asked for privacy as they continue to mourn the death of their daughter.
Related: Roysambu killer met his victim on Instagram, police say.
