Police in Nanyuki have launched an intense manhunt for 21-year-old Elvis Ndegwa, the main suspect in the murder of 20-year-old Risper Faith, whose body was discovered in a lodging within Nanyuki town earlier this week.
Victim Disappeared After Asking Father for Fare
According to the victim’s father, Risper called him around noon on the fateful day requesting Ksh200 for transport to town. She reportedly left home shortly after but never returned.
When she failed to come home by evening, her father grew worried as she was known to be punctual. Her phone was off, and all attempts to reach her proved futile.
Body Discovered in Nanyuki Lodging
The next morning, the distressed father began searching for her in areas she frequented, including a KFC outlet at FIA Mall, but she was nowhere to be found.
Later that evening, while heading to report the matter to police, he stopped at a local morgue — where his worst fears were confirmed. Staff informed him that an unidentified young woman’s body matching his daughter’s description, including her distinct brown and white braids, had been brought in the previous night.
Suspect Identified as Victim’s Boyfriend
Investigations revealed that Risper had checked into 1950 Lodging in Nanyuki town with a man believed to be Elvis Ndegwa. The two reportedly told management they would pay later, so no identification records were taken.
After about two hours with no movement from their room, the lodging manager went to check and found Risper’s lifeless body. The man had already fled.
Police later confirmed that the lodging had no CCTV cameras, complicating investigations. However, when the victim’s father later returned with a photo of Ndegwa, the receptionist identified him as the man who had checked in with Risper.
Troubled Relationship and Previous Assault Case
According to family sources, Ndegwa was Risper’s baby’s father, and the two had a troubled relationship marked by domestic violence.
A previous assault case had been reported earlier this year but was later withdrawn by Risper on February 10th, after which she moved back to live with her grandmother and father.
Police have confirmed that the suspect went into hiding shortly after the murder, and a manhunt is ongoing to track him down.
Authorities are urging anyone with information on his whereabouts to report to the nearest police station or call the DCI hotline.
