The family of Alice Riang’a, the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) student whose body was found dumped in a forest in Bondo, Siaya County, has broken its silence following the heartbreaking incident.
Alice, a second-year student, had reportedly gone missing days before her body was discovered, sparking outrage online and renewed concern over rising cases of violence against women.
Her body was moved to the morgue, where devastated relatives visited to confirm the tragic news.
A cousin identified as Omweri took to social media to express the family’s pain and frustration, revealing the emotional moment they informed Alice’s mother about her death.
“Her mum, Esther, and my mum are sisters from the same parents. Same blood. Same family. And today I had to travel to Kasarani to look her mother in the eyes and confirm that she is gone. Murdered,” he wrote.
He condemned the manner in which her body was dumped in a forest, saying Alice’s life mattered and should not become just another statistic.
“This is not just another trending story. This is not just another statistic in Kenya’s growing femicide crisis. This is a young woman who had dreams, who was in university building a future, and who deserved to come home,” he added.
In a video shared online, Omweri recounted the emotional reaction of Alice’s father after identifying the body at the morgue, saying the grieving father collapsed upon confirming the painful reality.
The family has vowed to pursue justice and ensure those responsible for Alice’s death are brought to book.
“I’m not here to accuse anyone before investigations are complete. But I am here to say, Alice will not be forgotten. Not on my watch. Justice will be served,” Omweri stated.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding Alice Riang’a’s death are ongoing.
