Nairobi — August 19, 2026: A 17-year-old murder suspect has been arraigned at the Makadara Law Courts following a forensic breakthrough that linked him to a mobile phone belonging to a man who was killed nearly eight months ago.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Homicide Bureau filed a miscellaneous application seeking orders to detain Brian Mwendia Kinyua for 21 days at Kasarani Police Station as detectives investigate the murder of Derick Tom Omanga.
Suspect Linked to Victim’s Missing Phone
According to court documents filed by investigating officer PC Josiah Mokenye, Omanga’s body was discovered at about 2am on December 24, 2025, near the Roysambu flyover along Thika Road.
His mobile phone and laptop were missing at the time.
After months of digital tracking, homicide detectives traced Omanga’s phone to Kangeta in Igembe Central, Meru County, where Kinyua was arrested on Tuesday, August 18.
During questioning, Kinyua denied involvement in Omanga’s killing. He reportedly told investigators that he had purchased the phone from a third party through an M-Pesa transaction and offered to help detectives identify and trace the seller.
Toxicology Results Raise Questions
Investigations have also uncovered forensic evidence that detectives believe could shed light on the circumstances surrounding Omanga’s death.
An autopsy conducted by Dr Simon Omuok on December 24, 2025, established that Omanga died from multiple organ injuries caused by high-impact blunt-force trauma.
However, a subsequent toxicology analysis by the Government Chemist detected ethanol and a highly toxic industrial solvent in his system.
Investigators suspect he may have been drugged before being physically assaulted.
CCTV Tracks Victim’s Final Hours
CCTV footage obtained by the DCI reportedly shows Omanga at Wines and Tails Club along Ngong Road on the night of December 23, 2025.
He was allegedly accompanied by his girlfriend and an unidentified man.
At around 11pm, Omanga collected his laptop and phone from the club counter, where the devices had been left for safekeeping.
The three later boarded an Uber taxi heading to another club along Thika Road, shortly before Omanga was killed and his body dumped along the highway.
Police Seek 21 Days to Complete Investigations
Prosecutors from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) asked the court to allow detectives to detain Kinyua for 21 days.
The prosecution said investigators need time to verify the suspect’s age, analyse M-Pesa records to establish the identity of the person who allegedly sold him the phone and trace other possible suspects.
Prosecutors argued that releasing Kinyua at this stage could interfere with the ongoing murder investigation.
The court will determine whether detectives will be granted the requested 21-day detention period as investigations continue.
