How Police Tracked Down Suspect in Brutal Killing of JSS Teacher

Police have arrested a 30-year-old man linked to the murder of Junior Secondary School teacher Betty Wanjiru Nyaga following a two-month manhunt that ended in Mpeketoni, Lamu County.

The suspect, identified as Peter Kanumbi from Ngucue Village in Riagiceru Location, Mwea East Sub-County, was apprehended by detectives investigating the disappearance and killing of the 28-year-old teacher.

Authorities said the suspect had allegedly been hiding since March after Nyaga went missing under mysterious circumstances.

Nyaga, who taught at Ithiga Ria Njuki Comprehensive School, was reported missing on March 12, 2026, before her body was later found dumped in Mugumo-ini Village near River Nyamindi.

Detectives Track Suspect Across Counties

Investigators from Mwea East Sub-County said the arrest followed extensive investigations that traced the suspect’s movements across different counties after he allegedly fled immediately after the incident.

According to police reports, Kanumbi initially escaped to a village in Nyeri County, where relatives allegedly assisted him before facilitating his movement to Mpeketoni in Lamu County.

Detectives believe the suspect was instructed to dispose of his mobile phone, obtain another handset, and register the new line using another person’s identity to evade law enforcement officers.

Police said the strategy complicated investigations, but detectives continued monitoring leads that eventually led them to the coastal town where the suspect was arrested.

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Authorities have since detained several individuals believed to have aided the suspect while he was in hiding.

Among those arrested are relatives and a mobile phone dealer accused of helping him conceal his identity and communication trail.

The suspects are currently being held at Kerugoya Police Station as investigators continue piecing together evidence ahead of the planned prosecution.

Police indicated some of those arrested could become state witnesses during the murder trial.

Residents Welcome Police Arrest

The killing sparked outrage in Ngucue Village and surrounding areas, with angry residents reportedly torching the suspect’s house shortly after news of the teacher’s death emerged.

Residents praised detectives attached to Mwea East Sub-County for pursuing the matter despite the suspect allegedly attempting to disappear for months.

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“We thought the suspect would never be arrested. We commend Veronica Kapoko and her team for their efforts,” Irungu Mwangi, a resident of Kimbimbi, said.

Teachers from Kirinyaga County also welcomed the arrest, describing it as a major step toward justice for their slain colleague.

“We protested in Wang’uru, and DCI officers led by Veronica Kapoko assured us the suspect would be arrested. We are happy that justice is finally taking shape,” KUPPET JSS Secretary Josphat Kariuki said.

Police confirmed the suspect is expected to be transferred to Kirinyaga County, where he will face murder charges as investigations continue.

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DCI Office Headquarters in Kiambu,Kenya
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