A months-long manhunt for a murder suspect linked to the killing of a teacher in Kirinyaga County has ended with his dramatic arrest in Lamu County as he allegedly attempted to flee the country.

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations in Lamu County, working jointly with officers from the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB) based in Kerugoya, arrested Peter Kanumbi after tracking him down to Mpeketoni following what authorities described as an intensive intelligence-led operation.

Kanumbi had been on the run since March 12, 2026, when Betty Wanjiru Nyaga, a teacher from Mwea East in Kirinyaga County, was brutally murdered under circumstances that shocked residents and triggered widespread calls for justice.

According to investigators, the suspect went into hiding immediately after the incident, prompting detectives to launch an extensive search that stretched across multiple counties.

After months of surveillance and coordinated investigations, detectives reportedly received intelligence that placed the suspect in Mpeketoni, Lamu County, where he was allegedly planning to escape into neighbouring Somalia in a bid to evade arrest.

Officers swiftly moved in and arrested him moments before the alleged escape, effectively bringing to an end a prolonged cat-and-mouse chase between the suspect and investigators.

Following the arrest, Kanumbi was escorted back to Kirinyaga County and arraigned before the Kerugoya Law Courts on Thursday.

Detectives successfully obtained a five-day custodial order to allow them to complete investigations before making further recommendations to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The arrest is expected to bring relief to the family of the slain teacher and residents of Mwea East, who have been demanding swift action and accountability since the killing occurred.