Suspect in kidnapping and killing of Kitengela girl Shantel arrested

One suspect linked to the murder of an 8-year-old girl has been arrested in Kajiado county.

Shantel Nzembi was found dead and her body put in a gunny bag at Kitengela.

Isinya Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officer Jeremiah Dubai said detectives arrested a middle-aged man who is a bodaboda operator at a bus stage following intelligence reports and testimonies from eyewitnesses.

He said detectives are now interested in pursuing the prime suspect, a woman who is also believed to be part of the gang that abducted Shantel, a Grade 2 pupil.

"We have made progress in this matter, following the arrest of one suspect whom we believe was involved in abducting this young girl. Our focus now is to arrest the woman who the leader of the gang operating in Kitengela," said Dubai.

The DCI officer said following the interrogation by the detectives, there are no doubts that the other suspect will be arrested soon.

"We do not want to reveal all the details in this matter, however, we are assuring the public that we will do our best to arrest the perpetrators," he said.

Shantel went missing on Sunday after leaving her home in Ashut, Kitengela.

Hours later, Shantel’s body was found by a boda boda rider at around 11 am who informed the police.

Shantel’s parents work as casual labourers at the Export Processing Zone, Athi-river.

“We will pursue all leads to find those that committed this heinous act even though the kidnappers have since deactivated the Airtel line,” said the DCI officer.