A horrifying discovery was made in the Huruma district of Nairobi, Kenya, as police arrested 29-year-old John Kiama Wambua, who was caught carrying mutilated body parts in his backpack. Upon interrogation, Wambua admitted that the remains belonged to his 19-year-old wife, Joy Fridah Munani.
The arrest occurred just before dawn during routine police patrols. According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), officers were shocked when they found the body parts inside Wambua’s bag. The suspect appeared “unperturbed” during questioning, according to the authorities.
After his arrest, Wambua led officers to his home, where additional body parts were discovered hidden under a bed. Police also recovered a knife and blood-stained clothing from the residence. The DCI has described the crime as “heinous” and confirmed that Wambua will face murder charges in court.
This gruesome incident highlights the ongoing crisis of gender-based violence and femicides in Kenya, a country with alarmingly high rates of violence against women. Between August and October 2024, the National Police Service recorded at least 97 femicides.
Kenya has seen a series of shocking cases of violence against women, sparking protests and public outrage. In September 2024, Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei was killed by her former partner after being doused in petrol and set on fire. Earlier in the year, a young woman, Rita Waeni, was dismembered and stuffed into a plastic bag, a crime that shocked the nation.
Despite increased awareness and protests, including a march in Nairobi last December that was met with teargas, the crisis continues to escalate. Advocacy groups are calling for urgent reforms and more robust legal action to address gender-based violence.
The arrest of Wambua has once again brought this critical issue to the forefront, with many demanding justice for Joy Fridah Munani and other victims of femicide.
