Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested the main suspect linked to the murder of Joyce Kanini Gathu which occured in Nyeri town.
According to the DCI, the suspect, John Nderitu Mureithi, was arrested on the night of July 10, 2026, along the Nanyuki–Isiolo road while allegedly attempting to flee to Uganda.
Following his arrest, detectives conducted a search that led to the recovery of four mobile phones, including the deceased’s handset, which has since been secured as a key exhibit in the ongoing investigation.
In a statement shared on its official social media pages, the DCI confirmed the arrest, describing it as the culmination of an intelligence-led manhunt that ended in Timau, Meru County.
“Detectives from the DCI Homicide Investigations Bureau have arrested the prime suspect in the brutal murder of 25-year-old Joy Kanini Gathu, bringing to an end an intelligence-led manhunt that culminated in Timau, Meru County.” DCI said.
Consequently, the suspect was booked at Kiganjo police station as investigations into the murder continue.
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DCI Details Findings from Investigation
According to the DCI, detectives discovered during interrogation that there was a confrontation between the suspect and Joy Kanini Gathu at his residence in Ngangarithi Estate, Nyeri County, on June 9, 2026, before her death.
Further investigators revealed that after the alleged killing, the suspect is believed to have dismembered the body before disposing of the remains at different locations in an apparent attempt to hide evidence and hinder the investigation.
The victim’s body was recovered with the head, neck, upper limbs and lower limbs missing.
According to reports, the family initially requested DNA testing to confirm the body’s identity. However, Joy’s father was able to identify her through a distinctive birthmark on her chest.
Later, detectives recovered a second body bag containing severed legs and hands from a nearby pit,with Joy’s mother identifying one of the legs by a distinctive mark she recognized.
Subsequently, the suspect is expected to be arraigned on Monday, July 13, 2026, as detectives seek custodial orders to facilitate the completion of investigations.
Investigation Leading to the Suspect’s Arrest
Initially Joy Kanini Gathu’s disappearance prompted her family to file a missing person’s report at a police station in Nyeri.
Prior to the discovery of her body, John Nderitu Mureithi, who is believed to have been the deceased’s estranged lover, accompanied the family to record the report and was reportedly in possession of Joy’s mobile phone.
However, during the interview, he allegedly excused himself under the pretext of making a phone call before walking out of the station and disappearing.
What followed on June 11, 2026, was the retrieval of Joy’s dismembered remains stuffed inside a sack in Nyeri County.
Several body parts were still missing, leading detectives and members of her family to mount an extensive search.
Days later, the continued search by authorities led to the recovery of additional body parts that had been disposed of in a pit latrine.
