Rita Waeni laid to rest in private ceremony, family says

The family confirmed that Waeni was buried on Monday morning in a private ceremony attended only by family members.

"We are at peace because we know that our larger family, friends, colleagues and many Kenyans who have shared this loss will understand this decision," said the family.

"We thank everyone for their support, contributions and for constantly praying for us."

They also welcomed those who wish to send their condolences to the deceased's parents and her extended family.

Waeni died on January 14, 2024, in a short accommodation apartment in Roysambu area, Nairobi, where her body was dismembered by her suspected killer.

The manager of the apartment, Risper Muthoni, revealed that the deceased's perceived killer secured the room on Saturday, January 13 at 3 pm.

Muthoni added that as per policy, once payment is made, guests are entitled to an uninterrupted stay until the scheduled check-out time.

It was not until the next day that the macabre discovery was made, after the caretaker reported finding suspicious polythene bags and a blood-soaked bed sheet on the staircase.

After multiple futile attempts to receive a response, Muthoni and her team entered the unlocked room where everything appeared normal, save for blood stains at the door. 

They then made a report at the Kasarani Police Station.

The family later came out to reveal that Waeni had left her aunt’s house in Syokimau to meet a friend.

Officers who visited the scene found the dismembered body without a head, which was later conclusively identified by the family on January 25 after it was found at Kiambaa dam in Kiambu County.

This was during an autopsy conducted by Chief Government Pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor who stated that the findings indicated that Waeni died of strangulation before she was brutally dismembered by her killer. 

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) released Waeni's body to her family on February 2, 2024.

Police have since arrested and arraigned two Nigerian nationals in connection with the gruesome murder.