KMTC Student Shayla Chebet Found Dead in Karatina, Probe Underway
Authorities in Nyeri County have launched investigations into the death of 20-year-old Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) student, Shayla Chebet, whose body was discovered in the Rafina area of Karatina under circumstances being treated as rape and murder.
According to preliminary reports, Chebet is said to have initially met a university student in Nyeri before the two later reunited in Karatina. It is reported that they spent the better part of the day together before proceeding to go out later that evening.
Investigators indicate that the pair visited a local entertainment venue where they are believed to have consumed alcohol. CCTV footage later captured Chebet’s final known movements as she left a house in the Rafina area, heading towards Karatina town. The same footage reportedly shows a man, believed to have been the last person seen with her, following shortly behind before allegedly diverting her from her route.
Further reports suggest that after leaving the club, the two were allegedly confronted by unknown individuals. The male companion later claimed that they had been attacked and robbed, stating that he managed to escape during the incident, leaving Chebet behind.
The following morning, Chebet’s body was discovered in a nearby farm by a farm worker. Authorities reported that her body was found with her neck wrapped in her trousers and a belt, raising concerns over the circumstances surrounding her death.
Police have since arrested a suspect identified as Vincent Bett, a student at Karatina University, in connection with the incident. He is currently being held for 14 days as investigations continue.
According to investigators, the suspect’s account of events has been challenged by available evidence, including CCTV footage and mobile phone location data, which reportedly place him near the scene during the time in question.
The body of the deceased has been moved to a local mortuary pending a postmortem examination. Detectives in Nyeri County have stated that investigations are ongoing as they work to establish the full sequence of events leading to the incident.
Authorities have urged members of the public to remain calm and allow investigators to carry out their work.