A recent photograph showing Walter Kipkoech attending Joy Wangui’s prayer day has emerged, offering a striking glimpse of the two young lovers about a month before the 18-year-old Form Four student was killed.
The picture, which shows Kipkoech alongside Wangui during the prayer gathering, has taken on a different meaning following his arrest in connection with the teenager’s death.
Kipkoech fled after Wangui’s death
Kipkoech, 23, was arrested by detectives after allegedly going into hiding following Wangui’s death in Molo, Nakuru County.
The photograph places Kipkoech among those who gathered to pray for Wangui before tragedy struck.
At the time, there appeared to be little indication that the relationship between the two would soon become the subject of a murder investigation.
Police have since established that Kipkoech and Wangui were romantically involved.
How Wangui was found
The emergence of the photo has therefore raised questions about what may have happened between the couple in the weeks separating the prayer gathering and Wangui’s death.
Wangui was found dead inside a house in the Kiambaa area of Moto Location. According to preliminary investigations, her brother had briefly left the house to go to a nearby shop.
When he returned, he reportedly discovered Wangui’s lifeless body. Detectives who responded to the scene recovered an axe, a panga and two knives, which the DCI said bore suspected bloodstains.
Investigators also collected other items of evidence as they sought to establish what happened to the student.
Police pursue possible love triangle
Molo Sub-County Police Commander Justus Katana said preliminary investigations established that Kipkoech and Wangui were in a romantic relationship.
Detectives are pursuing a possible love triangle as one of the lines of inquiry into the motive for the killing.
However, police have not conclusively established the motive, with investigations still ongoing. A note found on the wall at the scene has also become part of the investigation. According to detectives, the message allegedly read:
“I love you, Joy, but never cheat; I am sorry.”
Suspect traced to Kuresoi North
The message is among the pieces of evidence investigators are examining as they seek to establish the circumstances surrounding Wangui’s death.
Kipkoech was reportedly on the run after Wangui’s death. Detectives from Molo monitored his movements before tracing him to a hideout in Lagwenda Village, Kuresoi North Sub-County.
He was subsequently arrested and escorted to Molo Police Station. The DCI said Kipkoech was wearing clothing bearing what appeared to be bloodstains when he was arrested.
Kipkoech underwent processing ahead of arraignment as detectives continued examining forensic evidence, witness accounts and other information gathered during the investigation.
Investigation continues
Police said his arrest would help investigators establish a clearer account of the events leading to Wangui’s death.
The case remains under investigation, and any allegations against Kipkoech will be tested through the court process.
Police have also expressed condolences to Wangui’s family, relatives and friends as detectives work to establish what led to the teenager’s death.
