Detectives Arrest Primary Suspect Behind Murder of Nyamira-US Based Couple

• A couple from the United States, Edward Morema Nyangechi (62) and Grace Mong’ina Morema (58) were brutally murdered in Nyamakoroto village, Nyamira County, on March 21, 2023.
• The house help, Silvia Barongo (19), became suspicious when the couple didn’t appear for breakfast and alerted the farmhand, Jeremiah Bosire (30).
• The villagers discovered the lifeless body of Grace Mong’ina Morema in a bedroom, and Edward Morema Nyangechi’s body was found in the garage. Both victims had deep cuts on their heads and were bound with electric cables.
• Denis Ondara (40) was identified as the main suspect in the murder case.

Detectives from the Homicide department have successfully arrested the primary suspect in the brutal murder of Edward Morema Nyangechi, 62, and Grace Mong’ina Morema, 58, a couple based in the United States.

The suspect, identified as 40-year-old Denis Ondara, was apprehended today after a four-day chase that concluded at the Isebania border in Migori County.

Shocking incident

The shocking incident took place on March 21, 2023, in Nyamakoroto village, located in Keroka, Masaba North Sub-County. The couple, who resided in Minneapolis, Minnesota, had been visiting their hometown when the tragedy occurred. The alarm was raised by Silvia Barongo, the house help, who grew suspicious when the couple did not appear for breakfast by 10 a.m. She then contacted Jeremiah Bosire, a 30-year-old farmhand, and together they discovered the lifeless body of Grace Mong’ina Morema in one of the bedrooms. Edward Morema Nyangechi’s body was found in the garage. Both victims had deep cuts on their heads, and their hands and legs were bound with electric cables.

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The autopsy report, conducted by the government pathologist, revealed that the cause of death was strangulation and blunt object injuries to the victims’ heads and upper limbs. Following the horrific crime, the Director of Criminal Investigations Mr Mohamed Amin ordered an immediate and thorough investigation, leading to the deployment of highly efficient homicide detectives.

Detectives swift action

Four days ago, the investigators received a tip-off indicating that the main suspect had sought refuge in Ruai, where he had been in hiding. The detectives swiftly acted on the information, but the suspect narrowly eluded capture. Unbeknownst to him, however, the tenacious sleuths continued to trail his movements, awaiting the perfect opportunity to strike.

At approximately 3 p.m. today, disguised as hawkers near the border, the detectives executed a swift and flawless operation, apprehending the armed suspect without firing a single shot. Before the bewildered onlookers could comprehend the events, the suspect was swiftly whisked away in a hatchback vehicle, en route to the capital, leaving nothing but a trail of dust in their wake.

A search of the suspect’s person resulted in the recovery of 14 additional rounds of 9mm calibre ammunition, as well as various tools commonly used for breaking into parked vehicles, such as spanners, nuts, screwdrivers, and pliers. Authorities suspect that Denis Ondara may be connected to a series of robbery and violence incidents, as well as other murder cases in Nairobi, Nyamira, Kisii, and Migori counties.

Detectives’ arrests

Three other suspects have also been arrested in the double murder, bringing a sense of relief and closure to the community affected by these heinous crimes.

The successful resolution of this case was made possible by the diligent efforts of the Crime Research & Intelligence Bureau and the Cyber Forensics team from the DCI National Forensic Laboratory. Their extensive research and analysis placed Denis Ondara at the scene of the crime on the night of the attack, providing crucial evidence for the investigation.

As the investigation progresses, law enforcement agencies remain committed to ensuring that justice is served and that the victims’ families find solace and closure during this difficult time.