A 30-year-old man who had been on the run for nearly two months following the murder of a Junior Secondary School (JSS) teacher in in Kirinnyaga County has finally been arrested in Mpeketoni, Lamu County.
The suspect, identified as Peter Kanumbi, had reportedly gone into hiding after the killing of his girlfriend, 28-year-old Betty Wanjiru Nyaga, on March 12, 2026.
Investigators believe Kanumbi murdered the teacher before dumping her body near a river in Mugomoini Village. The incident sparked outrage among teachers and residents in Kirinyaga County, with fellow educators staging protests in Wang’uru while demanding swift action from detectives attached to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Mwea East.
According to residents, frustration had been mounting after early efforts to apprehend the suspect appeared unsuccessful.
“We had almost lost hope after the suspect disappeared shortly after Betty’s burial and no breakthrough was reported. We are now relieved that he is finally in custody and we hope justice will prevail,” said Kariuki, a local resident who spoke to reporters.
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The anger surrounding the teacher’s death also led to the torching of the suspect’s house in Ngucue Village by irate residents believed to be friends and colleagues of the deceased.
Police investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly disposed of his mobile phone while in hiding, reportedly acting on advice from close associates and relatives. Authorities have since arrested several individuals suspected of helping him evade arrest.
The arrested persons, including those accused of facilitating the suspect’s movements and communication while in hiding, are expected to serve as witnesses as investigations continue at Kerugoya Police Station.
Police say the suspect will be arraigned in court once investigations are complete.
By Ochola Victor
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