Man arrested in Lamu over murder of JSS teacher in Kirinyaga after two months on the run

A 30-year-old man from Ngucue Village in Riagiceru Location, Mwea East Sub-County, has been arrested in Mpeketoni, Lamu County, over the alleged murder of his girlfriend, Junior Secondary School teacher Betty Wanjiru Nyaga.

Nyaga, 28, who taught at Ithiga Ria Njuki Comprehensive School, was reported missing on March 12, 2026. Her body was later discovered dumped in Mugumo-ini Village near River Nyamindi.

Detectives from Mwea East Sub-County tracked down the suspect after a two-month manhunt. He is expected to be transferred to Kirinyaga County to face murder charges.

According to police reports, Kanumbi fled to a village in Nyeri County after the incident, where relatives allegedly facilitated his escape to Mpeketoni to hide with other family members. Investigators say he was advised to sell his mobile phone, acquire a new one, and register it using a relative’s name to avoid detection.

Police have since arrested the phone dealer and relatives accused of aiding the suspect. They are currently being held at Kerugoya Police Station and may be called as witnesses in the case.

Following the incident, angry residents torched Kanumbi’s house in Ngucue Village.

Residents praised detectives from Mwea East for the arrest, commending the investigative team led by Veronica Kapoko.

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

Kirinyaga Junior Secondary School teachers, led by KUPPET JSS Secretary Josphat Kariuki, also welcomed the arrest.

“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,” Kariuki said.

Nyaga was buried on March 19, 2026, in an emotional ceremony attended by family, colleagues, and residents, who described her death as tragic and devastating.