The main suspect in the murder of Rahab Karisa, the Chief Officer for Blue Economy in Kilifi County, was brought before the Kilifi law courts on a fateful Thursday, July 27, 2023.
Diana Wanyonyi, also known as Sarah Nekesa Barasa, was apprehended by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Busia while attempting to cross the border into Uganda.
The suspect was transported to Kilifi to face the charges of allegedly killing Rahab Karisa, who was tragically found stabbed to death in her own bedroom.
The DCI presented a sworn affidavit to Kilifi Senior Principal Magistrate Justus Kituku, requesting a 14-day detention period for the suspect to allow for the completion of investigations.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that the suspect had not yet provided statements to the police.
Detectives stated that they were still in the process of interrogating Wanyonyi regarding her alleged involvement in the murder.
Furthermore, key witnesses were yet to give their statements, which were crucial to finalizing the investigations.
The magistrate granted the police’s application to detain the suspect to ensure a thorough and comprehensive investigation.
The case will be mentioned again on August 17, allowing sufficient time for the detectives to conclude their inquiries and gather substantial evidence.
The murder of Rahab Karisa, a prominent figure in Kilifi County’s Blue Economy sector, shook the local community and sparked nationwide concern.
Her life was tragically cut short just a day after she returned from a work trip in Italy. The discovery of her lifeless body in her Kilifi home left many in shock and mourning.
After her body was taken from the Pandya Memorial Hospital, it was transported to Mtopanga in Mombasa County.
The final destination for her burial will be in Vihiga on Saturday, where she will be laid to rest in her home county.
