Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested the prime suspect in the murder of Edgar Mokua, a lecturer at the Technical University of Kenya (TUK), whose disappearance and subsequent death shocked colleagues, family and students.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the DCI said homicide detectives arrested Richard Gikuhe Mbugua, who is believed to be linked to the lecturer’s death after weeks of forensic investigations.
Police also recovered a grey Toyota Ractis registration number KBZ 002R, which investigators believe was used to transport and dump the lecturer’s body before the driver fled the scene.
Lecturer disappeared after leaving home
According to investigators, Mokua was last seen on July 6, 2026, when he left his residence at Princes Park in Nairobi’s Lavington estate at around 4:20 p.m.
When he failed to return home and could not be reached, concerned relatives launched a search before reporting him missing at Muthangari Police Station.
The disappearance sparked concern among family members, colleagues and friends as efforts to trace him proved unsuccessful.
Five days later, the family received devastating news after his body was found at the Nairobi City Mortuary, where it had been taken by officers from Kiamumbi Police Station following its recovery near Woodcreek Academy.
Detectives reconstruct lecturer’s final hours
Following the discovery of the body, homicide detectives took over the investigation and began reconstructing Mokua’s final movements.
According to the DCI, investigations established that on the evening he disappeared, the lecturer spent several hours socialising with two men and a woman at Kettle Club in Lavington.
The group later proceeded to Ibiza Club at Lavington Mall.
Police say the lecturer’s companions eventually left the club, leaving him behind.
“He was never seen alive again,” investigators said.
His body was later discovered dumped near Woodcreek Academy.
Forensic breakthrough
The breakthrough in the case came after detectives relied on forensic intelligence to identify the vehicle allegedly used to dump the body.
Investigators traced a grey Toyota Ractis bearing registration number KBZ 002R, which they say was captured dropping the body before speeding away.
The discovery triggered an intensive manhunt.
Using forensic leads, detectives tracked down the vehicle’s owner, Richard Gikuhe Mbugua, and arrested him at Blue Estate in Ruiru.
The Toyota Ractis was later recovered at Murera Farm in Juja, where it has since been impounded as an exhibit.
“The suspect is currently in custody undergoing processing pending arraignment as investigations into the murder continue,” the DCI said.
Investigations continue
Police have not yet disclosed the motive behind the killing or whether additional suspects are being pursued.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations indicated that investigations remain active as detectives seek to establish exactly what transpired between the time Mokua was last seen and the recovery of his body.
Authorities are also expected to rely on forensic evidence, witness statements and digital records as part of efforts to piece together the circumstances surrounding the lecturer’s death.
Growing concern over violent crime
The murder has renewed concerns over violent crimes in Nairobi, particularly cases involving victims who disappear after visiting entertainment spots.
Investigators have increasingly relied on CCTV footage, mobile phone data, vehicle tracking technology and forensic analysis to solve homicide cases that initially appear to have few leads.
The DCI has urged members of the public with information that could assist investigators to come forward as the probe continues.
If charged, the suspect will have an opportunity to respond to the allegations in court, where prosecutors will be required to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt.
