DCI Leads Operation to Arrest Suspect in Chandarana Supermarket Manager’s Murder

In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary…

• Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) apprehended a 25-year-old suspect, Joseph Mungai Wanjira, linked to the murder of Hassan Abdullatif Salim, the manager of Chandarana Supermarket in Naivasha.
• Wanjira confessed to the crime and led police to the murder weapons; he was found with stolen items and is now in custody awaiting charges of robbery with violence.

The late Abdullatif Salim’s absence from work raised immediate concerns among his colleagues, prompting them to alert the authorities.

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) swiftly responded, apprehending a 25-year-old suspect linked to the murder of Hassan Abdullatif Salim, the manager of Chandarana Supermarket in Naivasha’s Buffalo Mall.

The incident, which occurred on May 22, 2024, shocked the community and triggered an intensive manhunt. 

That morning, workers at Chandarana Supermarket found the store unopened, an unusual occurrence that quickly raised alarm. 

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When attempts to contact Mr. Salim went unanswered, a group of supervisors decided to check his residence. 

Upon arrival, they were confronted with blood spots at the door, a harrowing prelude to the grim discovery inside.

Naivasha police were promptly notified and responded swiftly. Forcing entry into the locked house, they found the lifeless body of the 38-year-old manager sprawled in a pool of blood, bearing evident signs of a violent struggle. 

Household items, including a television set and a tablet, were notably missing. DCI detectives meticulously documented the scene and retrieved crucial CCTV footage to aid their investigation.

The diligent efforts of the DCI bore fruit when intelligence analysis identified Joseph Mungai Wanjira as the prime suspect. At around 1 p.m., detectives located and apprehended Wanjira in his hideout within Naivasha town. The arrest marked the culmination of days of meticulous searching for the individual believed to be the murderer. 

Upon his capture, detectives found Wanjira in possession of several items stolen from Mr. Salim’s house, including a TV set, a 6kg Pro Gas cylinder, a Samsung tablet, a NASA-branded hoodie, and a blood-stained bag.

After interrogation, Wanjira confessed to the murder and led the detectives to Mr. Salim’s house, where he revealed the two weapons used in the heinous act: a kitchen knife and a piece of wood. 

The recovery of these murder weapons was a crucial piece of the puzzle, further solidifying the case against Wanjira. 

With the suspect now in custody, further documentation of the crime scene has been conducted to ensure all evidence is thoroughly recorded. 

Wanjira has been booked into the Naivasha police cells and is awaiting arraignment on charges of robbery with violence.