Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Homicide Unit have arrested John Nderitu Mureithi, the prime suspect in the murder of 25-year-old Joy Kanini Gathu, while he was allegedly attempting to flee to Uganda through Timau in Meru County.
According to the DCI, detectives intercepted and arrested the suspect before he could leave the country.
During the operation, investigators recovered four mobile phones, including one believed to belong to the deceased.
Police allege that following a fatal confrontation at the suspect’s house in Ngangarithi Estate, Nyeri, on June 9, 2026, Mureithi dismembered Joy’s body and disposed of the remains in different locations in an attempt to conceal the crime.
The recovered mobile phones are expected to form part of the evidence as detectives continue with investigations into the circumstances surrounding the killing.
The suspect is expected to appear before the court on Monday, July 13, where detectives will seek custodial orders to allow them to complete investigations before any further legal action is taken.
