The human head found dumped in a dam in Kiambaa has been identified as that of Rita Waeni, who was strangled and dismembered in a Roysambu Airbnb.
According to reports, the victim's family identified the head based on the forehead, hair, and teeth formation. Pathologists supervised by chief government pathologist Johansen Oduor conducted an autopsy on her head as part of efforts to determine how she died on January 13.
"The main findings were that the head had been chopped off from the neck at the level of C5 (vertebrae on the neck). There was bruising on the scalp caused by a blunt object. We also saw some fractures on bones,” said Oduor while addressing journalists.
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“I can comfortably conclude that the cause of death was strangulation after which she was decapitated and her body dumped.” he added.
According to the detectives handling the case, the murder was conducted in a ritual-like manner.
After her identity was revealed, the family revealed that the kidnapper, who spoke in Swahili, demanded Ksh 500000 from them for her release.
As per the family, Rita left her aunt's residence in Syokimau to meet with a friend.
They report that at approximately 5 am on Sunday, Rita's father received a message purportedly sent from her phone number. The message demanded a ransom of Ksh. 500,000 within 24 hours for the release of the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) student.
“With this message, the family reported the matter to the police and DCI, and investigations began,” reads a statement from the family seen by Citizen Digital.
“We believe she was lured by her killer, who also tried to extort money from her family, even after killing her,” the family added.
