The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have announced the arrest of the prime suspect in the gruesome murder of 25-year-old Joy Kanini Gathu, ending a month-long manhunt that culminated in Meru County.
In a statement on Sunday, July 12, the DCI noted that detectives from the Homicide Investigations Bureau arrested John Nderitu Mureithi on the night of Friday, July 10, along the NanyukiβIsiolo Road in Timau, Meru County.
According to investigators, the suspect was allegedly attempting to flee to Uganda when he was intercepted by detectives acting on intelligence.
Prime Suspect in Joy Kanini Murder. Photo: Courtesy.
Following his arrest, detectives conducted a search and recovered four mobile phones, including one belonging to the deceased.
The handset has since been preserved as a key exhibit in the ongoing murder investigation.
The suspect was later booked at Kiganjo Police Station as investigations into the case continue.
The DCI further revealed that preliminary investigations established that Joy Kanini Gathu was allegedly killed on June 9, 2026, following a confrontation with the suspect inside his house in Ngangarithi Estate, Nyeri County.
Investigators allege that after the fatal incident, the suspect dismembered the victim’s body and disposed of the remains in different locations in what detectives described as a calculated attempt to conceal the crime and obstruct investigations.
The arrest marks a major breakthrough in a case that has drawn significant public attention since the discovery of the victim’s remains.
The DCI said detectives are continuing with investigations to establish the full circumstances surrounding the killing and gather additional evidence.
John Nderitu Mureithi is expected to be arraigned in court on Monday, July 13, where detectives will seek custodial orders to allow them to complete investigations before preferring charges.
