A Nairobi court has approved a police request to hold a man suspected of carrying dismembered body parts of his wife for 21 days as investigations continue.
Milimani Magistrate Gilbert Shikwe granted the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers from Starehe Sub-County additional time to recover missing body parts and gather critical evidence.
Authorities expressed concerns that releasing the suspect, identified as John Kyama Wambua, could obstruct the investigation. Police are still searching for another possible murder weapon, believed to be a machete, and are working to collect witness statements and conduct DNA tests to confirm the victim’s identity.
The court also heard that a mental evaluation of the suspect is necessary during this period.
According to an affidavit presented by the police, officers on patrol in Huruma stopped John after noticing he appeared suspicious while carrying a bag. Upon searching the bag, they discovered human remains, specifically the thoracic region, wrapped in a nylon cement sack.
Under interrogation, John reportedly led officers to his house, where additional body parts were found. He allegedly admitted that the remains belonged to his wife, Joy Munani, claiming that he killed her after an argument when he found her with another man.
The police revealed that some parts of Joy’s body, including her left hand, waist, hips, and one upper thigh, are still missing.
Outgoing Nairobi police boss Adamson Bungei confirmed that the motive for the gruesome act remains unclear. Authorities are also investigating whether John acted alone or had accomplices.
The deceased’s family has been notified and is cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
