The National Police Service (NPS) has sought to dispel inaccuracies circulating across mainstream and social media regarding the discovery of the body of Justus Mutumwa, whose remains were found floating in the Nairobi River in Ruai on December 18, 2024.
In a press statement released on January 30, 2025, the Office of the Inspector General detailed that the body was spotted approximately four kilometers north of the Ruai police station by a local resident tending her vegetable garden along the river. The bruised condition of the body prompted the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Ruai to initiate a murder investigation.
“The family of the late Mutumwa, oblivious to the Ruai incident, made a report of their missing kin at Athi River police station on the 21st of December, alleging he had been missing since December 17, 2024,” the statement clarified.
Forensic investigations later confirmed that the body was indeed that of Justus Mutumwa. The delay in identification sparked public speculation, but the police reaffirmed their commitment to transparency and diligence in handling such cases.
“The National Police Service reassures the public of its commitment to a thorough investigation of all Missing Persons reports,” stated Muchiri Nyaga, speaking for the Inspector General.
This incident has heightened public scrutiny of Kenya’s investigative processes, with calls for improved coordination between local police stations and faster forensic analysis. While acknowledging the family’s plight, the police urged citizens to report missing persons promptly and share any relevant information through their toll-free lines or local stations.
The DCI continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Mutumwa’s death.
