24-Year-Old Arrested Over Murder of Grade 8 Pupil in Vihiga After DNA Match

Stanley Odero, 24, has been arrested in connection with the murder of 14-year-old Draron Kanagi, a Grade 8 pupil at Hamasana Primary School, in Vihiga County, after forensic investigations reportedly linked him to the crime through DNA evidence.

The arrest was announced by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Friday, November 13, 2026, and has renewed attention on the safety and protection of school-going children, particularly girls.

According to DCI, Kanagi reportedly went missing on the evening of May 18, 2026, while returning home from school in South Maragoli. Her family raised the alarm when she failed to arrive home, prompting a search that ended the following afternoon when two women collecting firewood found her body in a tree plantation within the village.

According to preliminary investigations, the pupil had been sexually assaulted before she was killed. Her schoolbag, containing learning materials, was reportedly recovered near the scene.

The body was taken to Vihiga County Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary for a postmortem examination as detectives launched investigations into the killing.

After months of investigations, detectives from Vihiga Sub-County arrested the 24-year-old, a resident of the same village, following forensic investigations that reportedly established a positive DNA match linking him to the incident.

The suspect remains in police custody as detectives complete investigations ahead of his arraignment in court.

The case has highlighted the importance of strengthening child protection mechanisms in communities and schools, as learners remain vulnerable to threats even while travelling to and from school. Education stakeholders have consistently emphasised the need for collaboration between parents, teachers, school administrators, local leaders and security agencies to safeguard learners beyond the school environment.

Schools also have a role in educating pupils on personal safety, reporting suspicious encounters and identifying trusted adults they can approach when they feel threatened.

The DCI has conveyed its condolences to the family, friends and relatives of the deceased and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that justice is served.