By Andrew Kariuki

Detectives in Kisumu West have recovered the decomposing body of a 21 year old female student from RIAT College in Riat Forest, days after she was reported missing.

The discovery was made by officers from Kisumu West, working alongside teams from Maseno Police Station and Riat Police Post.

Police said the body bore multiple stab wounds, pointing to a violent attack.

The development follows the earlier arrest of a prime suspect, Steven Coleman Okoth, who is believed to have played a central role in the incident, which investigators say involved sexual assault, torture and the victim’s disappearance.

According to preliminary findings, the incident traces back to the night of April 5, 2026, in Kisumu’s Milimani area.

What initially appeared to be a communication breakdown due to poor network coverage soon turned into alarm after the victim’s sister failed to reach her. Concern grew late into the night until a distressing message was received, indicating the student had been lured into a drinking session by two male acquaintances.

Police believe she was rendered vulnerable, assaulted and later abandoned in a bush in critical condition. Her phone went offline shortly after.

Detectives launched investigations immediately, using forensic leads to trace her last known movements to the Milimani area near Kenya Wildlife Service offices. Despite an extensive search, she could not be located at the time.

Further investigations led to the arrest of Okoth, who is said to have been seen with the victim on the night she disappeared. Authorities also established that he had previously issued threats to the student and had been persistently seeking her out in the weeks leading up to the incident.

At the time of his arrest, police recovered items believed to be key evidence in the case.

The suspect is currently in custody awaiting arraignment, while detectives continue to pursue other individuals believed to have been involved.

Investigations remain ongoing.