The family of Joy Kanini has called for urgent DNA testing after investigators recovered a human head believed to be hers from the home of a person of interest.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations arrested the person of interest following investigations into Kanini’s disappearance and the discovery of human remains.

Detectives traced the person of interest and searched his home, where the head was recovered on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.

The DNA results will determine whether the recovered remains belong to Kanini and allow her family to proceed with burial arrangements.

Family asks investigators to speed up DNA tests

Family lawyer Derrick Mwangi asked investigators and government laboratories to prioritise the examination of the recovered remains.

“We call upon them to fast-track the DNA test and results so that the family can be able to bury their kin,” Mwangi said.

Family representative Bishop Kagunda said a speedy investigation would help Kanini’s relatives begin healing after the distress caused by the case.

“So I believe ya kwamba wakifanya uchunguzi kwa haraka, itakuwa bora ndio familia iweze kupumzika na kuendelea na, na kupona,” Kagunda said.

His remarks translate to: “I believe that if they conduct the investigations quickly, it will be better so that the family can rest, move forward and heal.”

The family is awaiting formal confirmation of the identity of the recovered remains before making funeral arrangements.

Probe continues

Investigators are expected to obtain DNA samples from the recovered remains and compare them with samples collected from Kanini’s relatives.

The person of interest remains under investigation and has not been convicted of any offence.

Detectives are also expected to establish the circumstances surrounding Kanini’s disappearance and death before forwarding the investigation file to prosecutors.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said on X on Sunday, July 12, 2026, that the person of interest was apprehended along the Nanyuki–Isiolo Road on the night of Friday, July 10, 2026.

According to the agency, the man was reportedly travelling towards Uganda when officers from the DCI Homicide Investigations Bureau caught up with him, bringing an extensive manhunt to an end.