Nairobi, Kenya – July 12, 2026 – The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has arrested the prime suspect, John Nderitu Mureithi, in the murder of 25-year-old Joy Kanini Gathu. The arrest follows a month-long investigation into the gruesome killing and dismemberment of Gathu's body in Nyeri County.

• The suspect was apprehended on the night of July 10, 2026, along the Nanyuki–Isiolo Road in Timau, Meru County, while allegedly attempting to flee to Uganda.
• Investigators recovered four mobile phones, including one believed to belong to the deceased, which is considered a key exhibit.
• The DCI believes Mureithi dismembered Gathu's body and disposed of it in various locations to conceal the crime after a fatal confrontation on June 9 at his residence in Ngangarithi Estate, Nyeri.

A Grade 10 student at Thika High School has died following a physical altercation with a classmate over who would lead Friday evening prayers.

• The deceased, identified as Mohamed Hare, 16, collapsed during the fight and was pronounced dead at Thika Level 5 Hospital.
• The other student involved, also a minor, has been arrested and is being held at Thika Police Station as investigations continue.
• The incident has caused distress among students and parents, with investigations relying on witness statements and forensic findings.

Police in Thika West Sub-County have arrested seven people following a raid that uncovered a significant cache of illicit goods, including large quantities of ethanol and suspected counterfeit cigarettes.

• 13,200 litres of ethanol and 17,640 packets of suspected counterfeit Pall Mall cigarettes were seized.
• The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) led the intelligence-led operation.
• The contraband was discovered concealed in two lorries within a compound in Umoja, Thika West.