RIAT Student Murder Probe Deepens as Detectives Recover Body in Kisumu Forest

Police in Kisumu West are investigating a brutal killing after the body of a 21-year-old student from Ramogi Institute of Advanced Technology was found in a forest area near Riat. The discovery has shocked residents and intensified calls for justice.

The body was recovered by detectives working with officers from Maseno Police Station and Riat Police Post. Authorities confirmed it was already decomposing and had visible knife stab wounds, pointing to a violent attack. The victim had been reported missing days earlier after failing to return home.

According to investigators, the case began when the student sent a distress message to her sister. In the message, she indicated she had been lured into a drinking session with two male colleagues before things turned dangerous. After that message, her phone went off, and she could no longer be reached.

Detectives say forensic tracking helped trace her last known movements to the Milimani area in Kisumu. Early searches in the area did not yield results, but further investigations led officers to Riat Forest, where her body was eventually discovered.

A prime suspect, identified by police as Steven Coleman Okoth, is already in custody. He is believed to have been the victim’s former boyfriend. Investigators say he had allegedly made threats against her over the past two months and had been seen with her on the night she disappeared.

“The suspect had been spotted with the heavily intoxicated victim shortly before she went missing,” detectives said in a statement. They also noted that evidence recovered from the suspect is being examined as part of the ongoing investigation.

Authorities are now working to establish whether other individuals were involved in the crime. The suspect remains in custody as he awaits arraignment in court.

Police described the case as a deeply disturbing incident and urged the public to remain calm as investigations continue. The killing has reignited concern over student safety and gender-based violence in the region.