Authorities have arrested a man linked to the killing of Seth Nyakio Njeri in Thika last October. Ken Kimanthi Gichunuku, known locally as “Sultan,” was taken into custody in Busia town, near the Kenya–Uganda border, following months of investigative work by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
Nyakio’s body was discovered on October 14, 2024, inside Blessings Building in Biafra Estate, Thika, prompting an intensive manhunt.
The DCI deployed its homicide unit along with officers from Kisii South and Busia counties to track down the suspect, who had reportedly gone underground immediately after the killing.
Investigators said Gichunuku had been living under the radar while working at a cereal distribution shop in Busia.
“Relentless forensic leads and surveillance enabled detectives to locate and apprehend him,” the DCI confirmed in an official statement.
The suspect is currently undergoing processing and will be arraigned in court on charges related to the murder.
Kenyan law mandates that suspects in homicide cases be presented to a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest, ensuring due process under the Penal Code and the Constitution.
Nyakio’s death drew widespread attention in Thika, highlighting concerns over urban security and the effectiveness of local policing.
The DCI has appealed to the public to provide any additional information that may support the ongoing investigation, stressing the importance of community cooperation in criminal probes.
This arrest marks the culmination of a multi-county operation, illustrating Kenya’s coordinated approach to handling violent crime across jurisdictional boundaries.
Authorities continue to gather evidence, including witness statements and forensic data, to strengthen the prosecution ahead of trial.