NAIROBI, Kenya – Detectives investigating the brutal murder of 25-year-old Joy Kanini Gathu have recovered her missing head from a pit latrine in Ngangarithi Estate, Nyeri Town, marking a significant breakthrough in the case that has shocked the country.
The recovery was made after the prime suspect in the murder reportedly led homicide detectives to the pit latrine where he is believed to have dumped the body part in an attempt to conceal evidence.
Joy’s dismembered body was discovered inside a sack in Ngangarithi on June 11 after she was reported missing by her family. At the time, several body parts, including her head, had not been recovered, prompting an intensive search by detectives.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) arrested the main suspect on July 10 along the Nanyuki–Isiolo Road in Meru County as he allegedly attempted to flee towards Uganda. Investigators believe the suspect killed Joy inside a house in Ngangarithi Estate before dismembering her body and disposing of the remains at different locations.
According to investigators, the suspect later directed detectives to the pit latrine where Joy’s head was recovered, providing crucial evidence in the ongoing murder investigation.
A post-mortem examination previously established that Joy died from excessive bleeding caused by severe injuries. Detectives have also recovered several exhibits, including mobile phones believed to be linked to the victim and the suspect.
Joy was the daughter of Nyeri-based Bishop Peter Gathu. Her killing sparked national outrage after her family publicly appealed for information following her disappearance, only for her dismembered body to be discovered days later.
Police say investigations remain ongoing as they prepare to conclude the case file before presenting it to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for further action.