By Andrew Kariuki

Police have arrested a Tanzanian national in connection with the murder of 11-year-old Glorious Kaiza Maore, bringing a breakthrough in a case that began with the child’s disappearance in March.

According to investigators, the minor was reported missing on March 15, 2026 after failing to return home from Sunday school practice.

Days later, a disturbing discovery was made in the Manyani area when children playing nearby found a sack with a human hand protruding from it. Police were alerted and upon examination, the body of the minor was recovered, bound in an apparent attempt to conceal the crime.

A postmortem conducted at the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital confirmed that the child had been defiled before her death.

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations launched investigations, leading to the identification of a suspect, Anthony Juma, also known as Kipara.

Police say the suspect had fled after the incident, leaving behind an abandoned house where partially burnt clothes and bedding believed to be linked to the case were recovered.

Following a manhunt, the suspect was arrested on April 12, 2026 in Kisauni.

He was subsequently presented before the Shanzu Law Courts, where investigators sought custodial orders to complete investigations.

On April 13, 2026, the court granted a 21-day custodial order to allow for forensic analysis and further inquiries.

The suspect, described by authorities as a Tanzanian national operating locally as a garbage collector without formal identification, remains in custody as investigations continue.

The case is scheduled for mention on May 4, 2026.