DCI Nets Tanzanian Suspect in Murder of Kisauni Schoolgirl After Month-Long Search

A Tanzanian national has been arrested in connection with the gruesome murder of 11-year-old Glorious Kaiza Maore in Kisauni, bringing a critical breakthrough in a case that has gripped the coastal community for weeks.

Authorities confirmed the arrest following an intensive manhunt led by detectives pursuing multiple leads.

According to investigators, the case began as a missing persons report before escalating into a homicide investigation.

“What began as a desperate search for a missing child has culminated in a breakthrough, following the arrest of the prime suspect behind the brutal murder of 11-year-old Glorious Kaiza Maore,” the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said in a statement.

The child was reported missing on March 15, 2026, after she failed to return home from a Sunday school practice session.

“The minor was reported missing on March 15, 2026, after failing to return home from Sunday school practice, a disappearance that would later unravel into a chilling tale of cruelty,” the agency stated.

Grim Discovery in Manyani

The search took a tragic turn days later when a disturbing discovery was made in the Manyani area.

Children playing nearby reportedly came across a sack with a human hand sticking out, prompting immediate alarm and notification of authorities.

“Days later, in Manyani area, a horrifying discovery was made when children playing nearby stumbled upon a sack with a human hand protruding from it,” the DCI revealed.

Police officers who responded to the scene confirmed the worst fears.

“Police officers were alerted, and upon inspection, the lifeless body of the young girl was found inside, bound with a rope in a calculated attempt to conceal the crime,” DCI stated.

Postmortem Findings and Investigation

A postmortem examination conducted at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital established the cause and nature of death, confirming the severity of the crime.

“A postmortem examination conducted at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital confirmed the worst: Glorious had been defiled before being strangled to death, a heart-wrenching violation of innocence,” the statement read.

Detectives from Kisauni Sub-County launched immediate investigations, tracing the suspect through forensic and circumstantial evidence.

Authorities identified Anthony Juma, also known as Kipara, as the prime suspect in the case.

“Detectives from Kisauni immediately launched investigations, piecing together crucial leads that pointed to Anthony Juma, aka Kipara, as the prime suspect,” the DCI noted.

However, the suspect had already fled by the time investigators closed in.

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Arrest and Court Proceedings

Investigators later recovered key exhibits from a house believed to have been occupied by the suspect.

“The suspect had fled, leaving behind an abandoned house where partially burnt clothes and beddings were recovered, evidence of a failed attempt to destroy crucial exhibits,” the statement added.

A coordinated manhunt led to the suspect’s arrest nearly a month later.

“A manhunt ensued, and on April 12, 2026, the suspect was finally arrested, marking a significant breakthrough in the case,” the DCI confirmed.

Following his arrest, the suspect was arraigned at the Shanzu Law Courts under a miscellaneous application.

“He was subsequently arraigned at the Shanzu Law Courts under a miscellaneous application, where detectives sought custodial orders to allow for completion of investigations,” the statement said.

The court granted investigators additional time to complete their work.

“On April 13, 2026, the court granted a 21-day custodial order, enabling investigators to finalise forensic analysis and strengthen the case ahead of prosecution,” the agency confirmed.

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Suspect in Custody as Investigations Continue

Authorities disclosed that the suspect is a Tanzanian national who had been operating locally without formal identification.

“The suspect, who is a Tanzanian national who operates locally as a garbage collector without formal identification, remains in custody as investigations continue,” the statement indicated.

Case is scheduled for mention on May 4, 2026, as investigators finalize evidence ahead of prosecution.

DCI has stressed its commitment to ensuring justice for the victim and her family.

“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations thanks members of the public for their cooperation and assures Kenyans that justice for the young victim remains a top priority,” the statement concluded.

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