Police Arrest Man Carrying Wife’s Mutilated Corpse in Backpack

Kenyan police on Wednesday arrested a 29-year-old man, John Kiama Wambua, after discovering the mutilated remains of his 19-year-old wife, Joy Fridah Munani, in his backpack during a routine patrol in Nairobi.

The shocking discovery occurred at approximately 5:00 am when officers suspected Wambua of carrying illegal goods.

Upon inspection, they were horrified to find dismembered body parts, prompting the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to launch a murder investigation.

According to police, Wambua appeared “unperturbed” during questioning and confessed that the remains were those of his wife.

He later led officers to their home, where they uncovered a grisly crime scene.

“A bloody floor, blood-stained clothes, and a sharp knife believed to be the murder weapon were found at the scene,” police said.

Additional body parts were discovered beneath the bed, but some were still missing, leaving investigators piecing together the tragic incident.

This latest case has reignited concerns over the rising tide of gender-based violence in Kenya.

In November 2024, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reported 97 murders of women within three months, underscoring the urgent need for action.

The country has witnessed several high-profile femicides in recent years, including the brutal killings of Ugandan Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei, who was doused in petrol and set ablaze by her boyfriend, and Kenyan athletes Agnes Tirop and Damaris Mutua, who also lost their lives to domestic violence.

Last month, hundreds of women protesting against femicide in Nairobi were met with tear gas as they demanded government intervention.

Activists and human rights organizations have called for swift justice in Munani’s case, urging authorities to intensify efforts to combat domestic violence.

“This is not just a tragedy for one family but a reflection of a broader societal crisis,” said a gender-rights advocate in Nairobi. “We must break the cycle of silence, shame, and impunity surrounding violence against women.”

The investigation into Wambua’s actions continues as Kenya grapples with the deepening crisis of gender-based violence.