BONDO, KENYA – Detectives in Bondo have arrested a Tanzanian national following the gruesome murder of a second-year student from Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST).


​The suspect, identified as Maximillian John Madeni, a gold dealer operating within the region, was taken into custody after being linked to the death of 20-year-old Alice Rianga.


​Timeline of the Disappearance


​Alice Rianga, a Bachelor of Education (Science) student, was last seen alive on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. According to her roommate, Kayla Wanyonyi, Alice left their hostel heading toward the university’s main campus but never returned.


​After several days of silence and failed attempts to reach her, Wanyonyi filed an official missing person report at the Bondo Police Station on Sunday morning. Tragically, the report coincided with a grim discovery made just hours earlier.


​Discovery of the Body


​On Saturday, May 9, 2026, local women fetching firewood in the Barkowino area of Bondo Township stumbled upon a body dumped in a thicket.


​Preliminary police observations detailed a chilling scene:


  • ​The victim was found without undergarments.


  • ​There were no immediate signs of a physical struggle or bloodstains at the site.


  • ​Investigative Lead: Bondo Sub-County Police Commandant Robert Aboki stated that the lack of disturbance at the scene suggests the student may have been murdered elsewhere before her body was transported and dumped in the thicket.


​The Arrest and Link to Suspect


​The investigation shifted toward Maximillian John Madeni after the victim’s roommate identified him as Alice's boyfriend. Acting on this lead, police tracked and apprehended the gold dealer to assist with investigations.


​Detectives are currently working to establish a motive and verify Madeni’s whereabouts during the window of the student's disappearance.


​Outrage and Calls for Justice


​The incident has sent shockwaves through the JOOUST fraternity, sparking protests and calls for heightened security for students living off-campus.


​Former student leader Joel Odidi condemned the act, noting a worrying trend of insecurity in Bondo. "We cannot continue losing young souls under such mysterious and violent circumstances. We demand a thorough investigation and justice for Alice," Odidi stated.


​Current Status


​The body of the deceased is currently lying at the Bondo Sub-County Hospital mortuary, where a post-mortem examination is scheduled to determine the exact cause of death and whether sexual assault occurred.


​Maximillian John Madeni remains in police custody as authorities prepare to present him in court once preliminary investigations are complete.