A profound sorrow has settled over Kenya’s Nanyuki following the shocking death of 20-year-old Risper Faith, whose body was discovered in a town lodging after spending time with her ex-husband, sparking intense grief among family, friends and the community as police hunt the prime suspect.

Risper’s grieving father recalled his daughter left home around noon, requesting 200 shillings from him for transport into town – a routine he knew well. Yet her failure to return by 6 p.m. triggered alarm, intensifying when calls went unanswered. “She was always punctual,” he said, voice heavy with anguish.

Desperate to locate her, he visited KFC at FIA Mall the next morning – one of Risper’s favorite haunts – but she was absent. Deciding to report her disappearance to police, he stopped en route at a hospital mortuary. “After describing her distinctive brown-and-white braided hairstyle to attendants, my worst fears were confirmed… the unclaimed body was Risper,” he said, pain etched in his words.

Police investigations disclosed Risper checked into Nanyuki’s 1950 Lodging with 21-year-old ex-husband Elvis Ndegwa, reportedly planning an overnight stay. Lodging manager checking on their unusual silence found Risper’s lifeless body; Elvis fled, with detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations pursuing him as prime suspect.

Risper had previously accused Elvis of assault, later withdrawing the case this February. Her death fuels public outrage over Kenya’s rising femicide toll. “We demand justice, swift arrest and prosecution of whoever cut short her young life,” anguished family members and friends echoed, joining calls for accountability amid Nanyuki’s collective mourning. Authorities note absence of CCTV cameras at the lodging complicates probes into tragic events surrounding Risper Faith’s death.