Lydia Tokesi: Body of woman reported missing last week found in Ongata Rongai

Lydia Tokesi has been missing for the last one week. Detectives who were pursuing crucial leads into her whereabouts were hopeful to crack the missing person case.

Unfortunately, police were called to a crime scene within Gataka forest in Ongata Rongai, Kajiado County where a mutilated female body had been dumped.

Lydia’s family was notified to confirm their worst fears: the body was preliminarily identified as that of Lydia Tokesi, a Moi University graduate. She had been murdered and some body parts were missing.

Even though the family is certain that the body is of their kin, they insist a DNA test would be important to clear their doubts.

The body had started decomposing and with the missing body parts, they have to be certain.

Wounds on the body indicate the painful torture that her killer took her through by systematically cutting some body parts before she breathed her last.

“We are waiting for the DNA process to help identify the body, the suspect Joseph Orwa was with Lydia last, we are seeking him to come forward,” Daniel Shikoli, Lydia’s brother, said.

Police have zeroed in on this man: Joseph Philip Orwa is a longtime boyfriend of the deceased, having dated for over eight years since their campus life at Moi University.

Investigations reveal the suspect invited the girl to his place in Ongata Rongai where the two stayed until the 4th of January, when Lydia was reported missing.

Police visited the house and conducted a search where crucial evidence was recovered, among them several SIM cards, alcohol, Lydia's clothes and shoes.

There was also a love letter that revealed the two had a struggling relationship. Police are looking forward to grilling several people considered to be persons of interest as they critically analyse CCTV footage in the locality.

Lydia’s family has also revealed the secretive and only girl in her family, had taken a bank loan and purchased a motor vehicle for the suspected-killer boyfriend.

The suspect worked with the vehicle as a taxi driver. When all was done and dusted, he ditched the car a few kilometres from Lydia’s parent’s home.

The vehicle was recovered and it had blood stains but Lydia’s lover was nowhere to be seen. A multi-agency team of detectives from the Nairobi area, Ongata Rongai and Dagoretti North combed Gataka forest on Sunday in pursuit of leads as they analysed every move and data to apprehend the suspect responsible for Lydia’s tragic murder.