RIAT College student found dead in Riat Forest: Suspect arrested in Kisumu
Detectives in Kisumu West, working together with officers from Maseno Police Station and Riat Police Post, have recovered the decomposing body of a 21-year-old female student from RIAT College in Riat Forest following her earlier reported disappearance.
The body, which bore knife stab wounds, was discovered after the arrest of the prime suspect, Steven Coleman Okoth, who is believed to have orchestrated her gang rape, torture and disappearance. The incident reportedly occurred in Kisumu's Milimani area on the night of April 5, 2026.
Distress message sparked search
According to investigators, concern grew when the victim's elder sister was unable to reach her by phone due to poor network connectivity. Around midnight, the family received a distressing text message indicating that the student had been lured into a drinking spree by two male colleagues from the same institution.
The message revealed that she became incapacitated and was sexually assaulted before being abandoned in a bush in critical condition. Her phone later went offline before any help could reach her.
Investigations lead to arrest
Detectives from Kisumu West Sub-County launched investigations and used forensic analysis to trace the victim's last known location to the Milimani area near Kenya Wildlife Service offices. Despite an extensive search, she was not immediately found.
Further investigations identified a key suspect described as the victim's former boyfriend, who had allegedly been seen with the heavily drugged student that evening. Detectives also established that the suspect had issued threats to the victim over the past two months and had repeatedly visited her residence in Riat searching for her.
At the time of his arrest, officers recovered exhibits believed to be crucial to the investigation.
Search for accomplices ongoing
Steven Coleman Okoth is currently being processed for arraignment in court as detectives continue searching for additional suspects believed to be involved in the crime.
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