Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) homicide unit have recovered the missing head of 25-year-old Nyeri businesswoman Joy Kanini Gathu, marking a major breakthrough in the investigation into her gruesome murder.
According to investigators, detectives led the prime suspect, John Ndiritu Muriithi, alias Tizo, to the location where they recovered the victim’s skull and neck after weeks of intensive search.
The recovery came shortly after Muriithi appeared before Senior Resident Magistrate Mary Gituma at the Nyeri Law Courts, where the court ordered that he be remanded at Kiganjo Police Station for 21 days to allow detectives to complete investigations, reconstruct the crime scene and facilitate a mandatory mental assessment.
The prosecution argued that the suspect posed a significant flight risk, citing his alleged previous attempt to flee.
Investigators believe Kanini, a businesswoman and graduate of The Nyeri National Polytechnic, disappeared after visiting the suspect at his rented house in Ngangarithi Estate, Nyeri Town.
Police allege that she was killed inside the house before her body was dismembered using a blood-stained panga, which detectives later recovered from the scene.
During the investigation, detectives recovered sacks containing parts of the victim’s torso dumped along the Nyeri–Karatina Highway. Additional body parts were later found after investigators excavated a septic tank at the suspect’s rental property.
According to detectives, the suspect initially attempted to divert suspicion by joining the victim’s family in searching for her. Investigators allege he contacted Kanini’s parents and falsely claimed she was missing before going into hiding after the mutilated remains were identified.
DCI detectives later tracked his movements through Laikipia County before arresting him during a night operation in Timau along the Nanyuki–Isiolo Road. Police believe he was attempting to flee towards the Uganda border at the time of his arrest.
Investigators further allege that the suspect received assistance from family members who financed and facilitated his escape. Police say the relatives are being processed to face charges related to aiding and abetting a fugitive.
With the recovery of all the victim’s remains, forensic experts from the DCI Forensic Laboratory and the Government Chemist are expected to complete DNA analysis and toxicology examinations before the matter returns to court.
The case is scheduled for mention on August 4, 2026, as investigations continue.
