The man, a former Ethiopian police officer, had been hiding in Eastleigh after obtaining a fake Kenyan ID.
The suspect, identified as a 34-year-old former regional police officer in Ethiopia, had entered Kenya and managed to acquire a fake Kenyan identification card. Following an earlier arrest and imprisonment in Ethiopia over the murder of his wife, the man fled to Kenya, where he started a taxi business in Eastleigh and Parklands.
The murders involved 38-year-old Waris Dahabo Daud, her 22-year-old niece Amina Abdirashid Dahir, and 12-year-old Nusayba Abdi Mohammed. Their bodies were discovered on October 22, 2024, at various locations with signs of brutal torture and violence. Dahabo’s hands were severed, and Amina died from a fatal stab wound to the heart, as confirmed by Chief Government Pathologist Johansen Oduor. Nusayba’s cause of death was smothering, with evidence of sexual assault.
Details of the Arrest: Investigations revealed that the suspect was driving a Nissan Note seen on CCTV footage picking up the victims from their Eastleigh home on October 21, the day before their bodies were found. The vehicle was later located abandoned at Wakulima Market and was taken to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for forensic analysis, further implicating him in the crime.
Police confirmed that the suspect has been linked to extortion and robbery with violence, and he was known to the victims. Authorities believe that a dispute over ransom demands led to the murders. The suspect allegedly contacted the families of the victims, demanding a ransom for their release.
Testimonies and Investigations: Detectives have also interviewed a woman who claims she was abducted alongside the three victims and held in the same room. She alleged that the perpetrators demanded USD 7,000 (around Ksh 1 million) for her release, which her family paid into an Ethiopian bank account. The woman recounted overhearing the killers’ discussions about the risk of being identified by their captives, leading to the decision to kill the three women.
Further Developments: Another accomplice was previously arrested and is being held as investigations continue. Authorities have engaged Ethiopian officials to assist with tracking the financial trail linked to the ransom demand.
This case has shocked the community, with the victims’ bodies found in different locations: Bahati in Makadara, 6th Avenue Parklands, and Khyumbi in Machakos. On October 23, additional evidence surfaced when human hands were discovered in South C.
Next Steps: The suspect is now at the DCI headquarters for further questioning and identification. The police continue their efforts to ensure justice for the victims and their families. The investigation highlights the ongoing need for collaboration between Kenyan and Ethiopian authorities in cross-border crime management.
