Police have arrested the main suspect in the brutal murder of 21-year-old Virginia Wayua Nzioki, whose death has sparked public outrage and renewed scrutiny of police negligence in handling reported threats to life.
The suspect, William Kaia, was arrested on Wednesday at a hideout in Mombasa after being on the run for weeks.
Investigators say he allegedly stabbed the young woman multiple times on September 9 within Kariobangi, Machakos County, before using her mobile phone to call her parents and inform them of the killing.
He is also said to have sent disturbing images of the crime scene to the family moments after the murder.
Speaking to reporters, Josephine Ndunda, the victim’s mother, recounted the horrifying phone call she received. “Kutoka hapo suspect ndo alianza kunipigia simu na kuniambia ni yeye na ndio amemuua. Huyo kijana simjui na sijawai muona,” she said, describing the ordeal with visible grief.
The family has accused officers at Machakos Police Station of ignoring earlier warnings. According to Ndunda, her daughter had reported a threat to her life on September 5, just days before she was killed.
“Polisi Machakos DCI hawakunisaidia. Msichana alireport tarehe tano threat na sasa polisi wakampuuza ndio kijana akapata nguvu ya kumuua tarehe kumi,” she said.
Police sources confirm that Kaia is now being held in custody and will be arraigned in court on Thursday. Investigators are analysing phone data and forensic evidence to establish the full sequence of events leading to the murder.
The case has intensified calls for accountability within the police service, with human rights advocates condemning what they describe as a recurring pattern of ignored reports of gender-based violence.
Virginia, described by her family as bright and ambitious, had just completed her studies and was preparing for an internship before her life was cut short.
Authorities say the investigation remains active and have promised a comprehensive report once the case moves to court.
