Rita Waeni, a fourth-year student at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), was last seen leaving her aunt’s home in Syokimau, Machakos County, to meet a friend.
Her disappearance sparked immediate worry when her remains were discovered days later. The brutality of the crime has sent shockwaves through the university community and beyond. Local police, facing a wall of silence, are appealing to the public for assistance in tracking down the suspect.
Despite extensive inquiries, the police investigation has yielded few leads. CCTV footage from Rita’s last known location, an Airbnb near campus, shows her walking with a seemingly friendly man. However, the university community and neighbours haven’t recognized him, hindering efforts to identify the suspect.
By recognizing the limitations of traditional investigation methods, the police are turning to the power of social media. Sharing the CCTV footage online, hoping to leverage the collective power of the public eye.
Detective Sergeant Makena Wambui, the lead investigator on the case, is determined to bring justice for Rita. In a press conference, she addressed the public: “We need your help. Someone must recognize the man in the video. Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial in apprehending the perpetrator of this heinous crime.”
The search for Rita’s killer continues. Every shared social media post, every shred of information gleaned from the public, brings hope for a breakthrough. While Rita’s life was tragically cut short.
