A 23-year-old man accused of killing Form Four student Joy Wangui will remain in police custody for 21 days after a Molo court granted police more time to complete investigations.
Walter Kipkoech appeared before Molo Resident Magistrate Christine Mugo on Tuesday as police sought more time to complete investigations. Police said they needed additional time to conduct DNA tests on evidence collected from the scene, carry out a post-mortem examination on Wangui’s body and conduct a mental health assessment of the suspect.
In their application, officers also opposed the release of Kipkoech on bail or bond, citing concerns for his safety.
“We also pray that the suspect is not released on bail or bond as his safety is currently at risk. Members of the public were baying for his blood over the offence he is alleged to have committed,” the prosecution told the court.
Magistrate Mugo granted the application and ordered that Kipkoech be held at Molo Police Station for 21 days. He is scheduled to appear before the court for plea taking on October 27, 2026.
Kipkoech was arrested on Monday evening at a hideout in Lagwenda village, Kuresoi North, where police said he had fled after the killing. Police said he was wearing the victim’s school T-shirt at the time of his arrest, and that the garment was labelled with her name.
Wangui, 18, a Form Four candidate at Molo Senior School, was found dead at her parents’ home in Moto village, Molo, on Sunday afternoon.
Her brother discovered the body after returning from the family shop. He found the front door locked, entered through the back and found his sister’s body in the kitchen. Her head was later recovered from a corridor leading to the washroom.
Investigators recovered an axe, a machete and two knives at the scene, which police believe may have been used in the attack.
Wangui’s mother arrived later as officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations processed the scene. She has since recorded a statement with investigators.
Police are investigating a possible relationship dispute as one of the suspected motives for the killing. Kipkoech remains in custody at Molo Police Station as detectives pursue further forensic evidence.
– By John Murunga
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