The family of a 20-year-old and former student of the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and and Technology (JKUAT) who was viciously murdered and dismembered body parts stuffed in polythene bags has broken silence and said the killers had asked for Sh500,000 ransom.
Family spokesperson Dr Lillian Mutea said the late Rita Waeni Muendo left her aunt’s residence in Syokimau to meet with a friend but never returned.
According to Mutea, on Sunday, January 14 2024, at 5.00 am, Muendo’s father received a message, delivered from her phone number, demanding a ransom of Sh500,000 within 24 hours for her release.
“With this message, the family reported the matter to the police and DCI, and investigations began.” She said in a family statement.
She said while investigations were going on, additional two messages were sent to the family demanding the ransom.
“Unfortunately, the family did not get further details about the ransom or an opportunity to explore this route. Additionally, some demands were made when she had already been murdered.” Mutea said.
“It is with profound sorrow and broken hearts that we, the Mutea family, address the media today. Our beautiful Waeni, a radiant soul in our lives, was tragically taken from us far too soon, at only 20 years of age.” She added.
Waeni was due to join her fourth and final year of University at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).
Mutea said after a painful and futile search, working with the DCI, the family positively identified Waeni as the girl tragically murdered at the wake of Sunday morning at/or around Thika Road Mall.