LAMU, Kenya — Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested a wanted murder suspect linked to the killing of a teacher in Kirinyaga County after a months-long manhunt that stretched across multiple counties.
The suspect, identified as Peter Kanumbi, was arrested in Mpeketoni, Lamu County, following a coordinated operation between officers in Lamu and the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB) based in Kerugoya.
According to the DCI, Kanumbi had been on the run since March 12, 2026, when he allegedly killed Betty Wanjiru Nyaga in Mwea East, Kirinyaga County.
Investigators said the suspect had gone into hiding immediately after the incident and later moved through different locations in an attempt to evade arrest.
Detectives eventually tracked him down to Mpeketoni, where he was intercepted just as he allegedly attempted to flee toward the Somalia border.
“The operation brought to an end the suspect’s months-long cat-and-mouse game with investigators,” the DCI said in a statement.
The arrest followed what investigators described as intelligence-led operations involving sustained surveillance and coordination between regional units.
After his arrest, Kanumbi was escorted back to Kirinyaga County, where he was presented before the Kerugoya Law Courts.
The court granted investigators a five-day custodial order to allow completion of investigations as police continue to build the case.
The killing of Betty Wanjiru Nyaga had sparked concern in Mwea East, with residents calling for swift action and enhanced security in the area.
The DCI has urged members of the public to continue sharing information that could assist ongoing investigations into serious crimes across the country.
