NAIROBI, Kenya- Detectives have arrested a suspect who had been on the run for nearly two years and nine months over the murder of Inspector Prosper Ojiambo Wandera, the then Deputy Officer Commanding Rumuruti Police Station in Laikipia County.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations said Onesmas Kipkoech Tiony was arrested on Friday, November 14, following what it described as a sustained investigation involving homicide detectives, DCI Laikipia West officers and police based at Rumuruti Police Station.
Inspector Wandera was found dead in Maundu Meri area of Rumuruti Town on February 16, 2024.
According to the DCI, he was found lying in a pool of blood with a stab wound to the left side of his chest.
Nearly three years on the run
The DCI said Tiony fled after the killing and remained out of reach for nearly three years as detectives followed investigative and forensic leads.
Detectives eventually traced the suspect to a hideout, where he was arrested in the coordinated operation.
The operation also led to the recovery of a motorcycle that investigators believe was used by the suspect to flee from the scene after Inspector Wandera’s death.
The motorcycle has been secured as an exhibit as detectives complete their investigations.
Suspect awaits arraignment
Tiony is being held in custody and is undergoing processing ahead of his arraignment in court, the DCI said.
No date for his court appearance or specific charges had been announced by the time of publication.
The arrest marks a major development in a case that has remained unresolved since the killing of the senior officer in 2024.
However, an arrest is not a finding of guilt. Prosecutors will be required to present evidence in court, where the suspect will have the right to respond to the accusations against him.
