A family in Molo, Nakuru County is mourning the death of 18-year-old Joy Wangui, who was allegedly murdered by her boyfriend, as they now battle a second wave of anguish: false information spreading rapidly online.
Directorate of Criminal Investigations detectives arrested 23-year-old Walter Kipkoech in connection with the killing. According to the DCI, Joy’s body was found in Kiambaa, Moto Location, with multiple weapons recovered at the scene allegedly used in the attack.
Kipkoech was tracked to a hideout in Lagwenda, Kuresoi North, and was found wearing a blood-stained boxer, a white T-shirt bearing the deceased’s name at the hem, and black jeans with visible dry blood stains.
Joy Wangui’s Family Speaks on Viral Screenshots
As the family prepared to lay Joy to rest, screenshots purporting to show a conversation between Joy and Kipkoech began circulating widely.
In the alleged chats, a man claimed he had sold land and paid school fees for a woman, expressing heartbreak over a breakup.
Joy’s aunt, Margaret Njuguna, firmly dismissed the screenshots during the mourning period, saying they had nothing to do with her niece.
“I have seen posts on social media spreading lies about Joy. Especially the chat many claim is between Joy and Kipkoech, with the man claiming he sold land to school Joy. They should check the post well and realise the one being talked about was a lady named Faith,” she said.
Margaret confirmed that Joy’s education was fully funded by the family and urged Kenyans to exercise responsibility before sharing unverified content online.
She also used the moment to speak directly to young people, urging them to handle matters of the heart with greater care.
“Love is always there and it is normal for people to love each other and break up and get new people. So if a relationship is not going as you would want, just go separate ways and live your lives and meet new people,” she stated.
She added that while Joy was gone, Kipkoech would carry the weight of what he had allegedly done for the rest of his life.
Joy’s Family Seek Justice
Joy’s mother, Trizah Wairimu, described her daughter as the firstborn of the family and a bright Form Four student at Molo Secondary School who had been expected to sit her 2026 KCSE examinations.
Wairimu revealed that the family had been aware of Joy’s relationship with Walter and had already filed a report with both the police and the local chief over concerns about it.
“As a parent, I would love for justice for my daughter. No one deserves to die because of love. My daughter was a bright student at Molo Secondary; she was to sit for the 2026 KCSE this year,” she said.
She urged young people to heed the guidance of their parents, noting that parental warnings often come from experience and foresight.
“My daughter was a B student. I expected her to go to university, but now she is no more. Children should always listen to their parents,” she said.
