The partner of a slain Kitui young businessman James Syengo Wambua Jnr is among nine suspects expected to appear before the Kitui Law Courts on Tuesday as police seek more time to detain them while investigating his killing.
Syengo, the son of the proprietor of the well-known 120 Hardware in Kitui town, was found dead by the roadside near Igloos Hotel in Bondeni on Saturday morning, prompting detectives to launch a homicide investigation.
Sources familiar with the investigation told Channel 15 News that detectives are expected to apply for custodial orders to allow them more time to complete investigations before making a decision on possible charges.
According to police investigations, Syengo had spent Friday night at Wave Lounge in Kitui town with his partner and eight friends, including another couple. Investigators say a disagreement reportedly broke out between Syengo and his partner while they were inside the entertainment joint before the altercation spilled outside shortly before 3 a.m.
A source familiar with the investigation said the second couple was also involved in the confrontation. Detectives are now piecing together the events that unfolded after the group left the club.
Investigators have established that Syengo and his partner walked to where their vehicle had been parked outside Asumbi Pharmacy. Police believe this was the last confirmed location where Syengo was seen alive.
According to sources, Syengo’s partner later left the area on a boda boda, with Syengo reportedly following shortly afterwards. Detectives are seeking to trace the motorcycle rider, whom investigators believe could be a key witness in reconstructing the victim’s final movements.
Crime scene investigators processed the vehicle for forensic evidence on Monday before towing it to Kitui Police Station for further examination.
Sources close to the investigation said the partner later told detectives that after leaving on the motorcycle, she went to the residence she shared with Syengo, collected her personal belongings and later proceeded to her mother’s home. Investigators are seeking to establish the sequence of events after the couple separated and whether they met again before Syengo’s death.
By Monday evening, detectives had arrested nine people, including Syengo’s partner and the eight friends who had been with the couple at Wave Lounge before the incident.
A source familiar with the investigation told Channel 15 News that detectives are pursuing several lines of inquiry, including whether the killing may have arisen from a domestic dispute. However, police have not disclosed a motive, and investigations remain ongoing.
The body of the businessman’s son was found by the roadside near Igloos Hotel on Saturday morning. Police have not released the post-mortem findings, and the exact cause of death is expected to be established through a forensic examination.
The suspects are expected to appear before the Kitui Law Courts on Tuesday, where investigators will seek orders allowing them to remain in custody pending the completion of investigations.
The killing has also renewed debate over security around entertainment venues in Kitui town following a series of violent incidents reported in recent months. Security officials are understood to be reviewing measures aimed at strengthening public safety during late-night operating hours.
Police have appealed to anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward.
None of the nine suspects has been charged with any offence, and all remain presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
