Jane Atila Murder: Family Could Not Pay Full KSh 2,500 Ransom, Student Killed

Investigations into the murder of University of Nairobi student Jane Atila reveal that her life may have been lost over a partial ransom payment. Police say suspect Nicholas Mutua Mutia demanded KSh 2,500 from Jane’s family, but after receiving only KSh 1,000, he allegedly killed her. Jane’s brother, Patrick Mwangale, said he had promised to send the remaining KSh 1,500, but before he could do so, his sister was brutally murdered.

Mwangale recounted his frustration with authorities, saying, “He said he was holding my sister and would only let her go after receiving the full amount. I tried to report it at Kabete Police Station twice, but the officers dismissed my claims.” A few days later, Jane’s mutilated and decomposing body was discovered in KEFRI forest in Kikuyu, Kiambu County. Fingerprint analysis confirmed her identity, ending the family’s hope of finding her alive.

Jane, a second-year student at the University of Nairobi’s Kikuyu campus, had been missing since October 3. Her death has sparked outrage from human rights activists, with Vocal Africa Director Hussein Khalid criticizing police for laxity. Two more suspects are now in custody in connection with her murder, and authorities have appealed to other victims to come forward after testimonies linked Mutua to further violent attacks.

What Other Crimes Is Nicholas Mutua Accused Of?

Two women have come forward, accusing Mutua of abduction, torture, and sexual assault within KEFRI forest. One survivor told Citizen TV, “He told me, ‘You won’t leave this place. Do you know how many people I’ve killed? How much blood I’ve drunk? Your day is today.’ He only wanted money.” Another woman said she was forced to give her M-Pesa PIN at knifepoint but was saved by sheer luck. Kikuyu Police Commander Joseph Ndege confirmed the investigation is ongoing to unravel the full motive behind the killings.

Jane Atila’s tragic death has highlighted the dangers of ransom-related crimes and raised serious questions about police responsiveness. Authorities continue to urge victims of Nicholas Mutua to come forward as investigations deepen into his alleged violent history.

By Modester Nasimiyu