The family of Rita Waeni Muendo, the woman who was found murdered and her mutilated body stuffed in polythene bags in Roysambu, has spoken.

In a statement seen by TV47 Digital, the heartbroken family says their daughter has been taken from them far too soon.

“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,” the family says.

The 20-year-old Waeni, the family says, was due to join her fourth and final year of university at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).

What happened?

According to the family, the horrific ordeal started on Saturday, January 13 when Waeni left her aunt’s residence in Syokimau to meet with a friend.

However, on Sunday, January 14 at around 5pm, the father — Muendo Mutea — received a message, delivered from Waeni’s phone number, demanding a ransom of KSh500,000 within 24 hours for her release.

After receiving this message, the family says it reported the matter to the police and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and investigations began.

KSh500,000 ransom

“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,” the family says.

The family adds that some demands were made when she had already been murdered.

Police suspect that Waeni was murdered elsewhere and her body parts ferried to the scene, an apartment on TRM Drive.

The family 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.”

‘Smart girl beyond her age’

The describes Waeni as an intelligent, smart girl beyond her age. Also, family describes her as a spirited and caring individual, “known for her unwavering kindness, infectious laughter, and ability to light up any room she entered.”

The family is now requesting for privacy during this difficult period of mourning.

“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 closely 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.”