In the heart of Roysambu, a chilling incident unfolded at an Airbnb, leaving the community in shock and grief.
The victim, a 20-year-old university student identified as Rita Waeni Muendo, met a tragic end that has prompted her family to share more details about the circumstances surrounding her untimely demise.
Demands for Ransom
The family’s ordeal took a nightmarish turn when the killers, after taking the life of their beloved daughter, reached out to them with a haunting demand.
Using Rita’s phone, the perpetrators sent a message demanding a ransom of KSh 500,000.
The family thrust into an unimaginable situation, promptly reported the matter to the police and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), initiating a thorough investigation into this heinous crime.
https://x.com/c_nyakundih/status/1747530159450722346?s=46
Agonizing Silence and Unanswered Questions
As the family grappled with the shock of the ransom demand, their ordeal worsened as the killers persisted in making additional threats.
Strikingly, these demands continued even after the alleged murderers had carried out their grim act.
The family, unfortunately, found themselves in the distressing position of being kept in the dark about the specifics of the ransom and were denied any opportunity to engage with the perpetrators through this harrowing route.
The Desperate Plea for Answers
Amidst the grief, the family released a statement to clarify the tragic sequence of events. They shared that on January 13, 2024, Rita left her aunt’s residence in Syokimau to meet a friend.
The following day, at 5:00 a.m., her father received a message from her phone number, setting off a series of events that would plunge the family into despair.
The demand for KSh 500,000 within 24 hours of Rita’s release marked the beginning of a traumatic journey that, unfortunately, ended in her untimely death.
The Struggle for Closure
As investigations continue, the family is left grappling with not only the loss of their daughter but also the agonizing uncertainty surrounding the ransom demand.
The unanswered questions linger, compounding their grief and emphasizing the urgent need for justice in this deeply disturbing case.
The community stands in solidarity with the grieving family, hoping for swift and comprehensive answers that will bring solace in this dark hour.
Here is the statement by the family
January 17, 2024 10:00 AM
Muendo Mutea’s Family Media Statement on the tragic death of their daughter, Rita Waeni Muendo
It is with profound sorrow and broken hearts that we, the Mutea family, address the media today. Our beautiful Waeni, a radiant soul in our lives, was tragically taken from us far too soon, at only 20 years of age. She was due to join her fourth and final year of university at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).
On Saturday, 13th January 2024, our daughter Rita Waeni Muendo left her aunt’s residence in Syokimau to meet with a friend. On Sunday, January 14th, at 5.00 am, her father received a message, delivered from her phone number, demanding a ransom of Ksh. 500,000 within 24 hours for her release.
With this message, the family reported the matter to the police and DCI, and investigations began. Additional two messages were sent to the family demanding the ransom.
Unfortunately, the family did not get further details about the ransom or an opportunity to explore this route. Additionally, some demands were made when she had already been murdered. After a painful and futile search, working with the DCI, we positively identified our child, as the girl tragically murdered at the wake of Sunday morning at/or around Thika Road Mall, January 14.
We believe she was lured by her killer, who also tried to extort money from her family, even after killing her.
We are broken and our lives have been shattered, at the loss of Waeni, and especially how she was killed. Her parents, siblings, and our entire family are yet to come to terms with this tragic event.
Our daughter, Waeni, was an intelligent, smart girl beyond her age at the very start of her youth. She was a spirited and caring individual, known for her unwavering kindness, infectious laughter, and ability to light up any room she entered.
Her family and friends will forever cherish the countless memories of Waeni’s joyous presence and her dedication to making a positive impact on those around her.
During this period of grief, we kindly request privacy as we mourn the loss of Waeni. Our focus is on cherishing the precious memories we shared with her and supporting each other as a family. We also appeal to the media for respect and understanding as we cope with this profound loss.
We sincerely thank the DCI for their support, and we continue to work with them as they diligently work to bring justice for Waeni.
We hope that, in time, the truth will prevail, and those responsible will be held accountable for this senseless act.
Once again, we appreciate the love and support extended to us during this painful time.
We humbly request your understanding and sensitivity as we mourn the loss of our beloved Waeni.
Sincerely, Dr. Lilian Mutea, family spokesperson. Email:[email protected]
