Jennifer Wambua: Suspects in journalist's murder held

Wambua went missing on March 12. [Courtesy]

Two suspects in the murder of National Land Commission (NLC) official Jennifer Wambua have been detained for a further 10 days.

Kiambu Chief Magistrate Patricia Gichohi allowed the police to detain Benjamin Saitoti and David Sempuan until May 3 after the prosecution asked for more time to enable detectives piece together crucial evidence.

Another suspect, Peter Njenga alias Sankale, is also in police custody after detectives said he is believed to have crucial evidence that could help them in the ongoing probe.

Wambua went missing on March 12 but her body was found at Kerarapon in Ngong the next day.

On April 8, investigators arrested Saitoti and Sempuan and were arraigned the following day.

Saitoti and Sempuan had reported to their village elder in Ngong that they had seen Wambua alive. This came almost a month after she was found dead.

The police are now banking on forensic analysis of the suspects’ mobile phones and DNA analysis to unravel the murder mystery.

A pastor and a friend who were among the last people to speak to Wambua on phone have recorded statements.

It is claimed the pastor had encouraged her to go to a secluded place to pray so her problems could end.

Samples taken from the deceased have been taken to the Government Chemist for analysis.

The suspects were also taken to the Government Chemist where their samples were taken. Forensic experts are trying to piece together evidence that could help resolve the murder mystery.