Tragedy struck at Karatina University on Valentine’s Day. A male student walked into his room at around 3 PM on February 14, 2025 and found a horror scene.
Upon opening the door, he found what looked like a suspected murder scene—a young woman lying lifeless in a pool of blood with a blood-stained knife by her side.
Boyfriend Named as Prime Suspect
The deceased, Bonita Ngatha Kariuki, 21, a Bachelor of Education student from Embu County, was murdered by her 25-year-old boyfriend, a first year student at the university who is on the run.
Police have since arrested two of the suspect’s colleagues to aid in the investigation.
Murder Details: Stabbed in the Neck
According to Mathira East Sub-County Police Commander Samson Leweri, preliminary findings indicate that the suspect stabbed Bonita twice in the neck and then locked the hostel room from the outside and escaped.
Detectives recovered a blood-stained knife and the suspect’s blood-stained phone.
Manhunt Underway as Police Seek Public Assistance
Leweri said two students who interacted with the suspect before the incident are providing vital information to detectives.
“We have sent DCI detectives to track down the suspect. His two colleagues in custody are giving us leads. Once we catch him, they will be prosecution witnesses,” Leweri said.
Police are not yet talking about the motive but they are trying to establish if the suspect and the deceased had any previous disputes.
Victim’s Family Records Statements; Autopsy to Follow
The parents of the victim recorded statements with the police on Saturday. Bonita’s body is at Karatina Level Four Hospital Mortuary for autopsy.
Meanwhile, police want anyone with information on the suspect’s whereabouts to come forward.> “We will get him. He has no where to hide. He should surrender before we get him,” Leweri said.
The university is in shock after losing a bright student.