Police in Machakos County have arrested a key suspect in connection with the brutal murder of 21-year-old university student Virginia Wayua Nzioki, whose lifeless body was discovered last week in Kariobangi, Machakos.
The suspect, identified as William Kaia, was apprehended in Mombasa on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, after an intensive manhunt launched following the incident. Police say Kaia went into hiding shortly after allegedly stabbing Wayua multiple times on the night of October 9, 2025.
According to the victim’s family, Kaia shockingly called them moments after the incident, confessing that he had killed their daughter. The call left the family in disbelief and deep anguish.
Wayua’s mother, Josephine Ndunda, described the heartbreaking ordeal and expressed disappointment in what she termed as a delayed response from authorities, despite earlier warnings about threats from the suspect. She revealed that her daughter had previously reported receiving threatening messages from Kaia, but no immediate action was taken.
“Kutoka hapo suspect akaanza kunipigia simu hiyo usiku akiniambia ni yeye alimua na alikuwa bwana yake. Msichana wangu hakuwa na bwana. Mimi kijana simjui hata venye alikuwa ananitumia message ndio aliniambia jina yake. Sijawahi mjua wala kumwona,” Ndunda explained emotionally.
She further lamented that had the police acted promptly on the initial report made on October 5, the tragedy could have been prevented. “Polisi Machakos DCI wangekuwa wakunisaidia, wangemsaidia. Walimwua tarehe tisa, si unaona hapo kulikuwa na nafasi ya kumshika,” she said.
The suspect is currently being held at Machakos Police Station and is expected to be arraigned in court on Thursday, October 30, 2025, to face murder charges.
Meanwhile, police have intensified investigations as residents call for stronger protection measures for young women facing threats and harassment.
This tragic case has reignited public debate on gender-based violence and the urgent need for faster police intervention in reported domestic and personal safety threats across the country.
