The postmortem report on the body of slain Multimedia University student Sylvia Kemunto Ayaye has revealed that she was strangled and struck on the head with a blunt object.
Government pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor and private pathologist Dr. Martha Mwangi presented the findings at Montezuma Monalisa Funeral Home, stating that the body was in poor condition due to decomposition.
Dr. Oduor noted that there were visible strangulation marks on the neck and blood clots in the head, indicating that she was hit with a blunt object. An injury was also observed on her lower limb.
“There is clear evidence of a struggle. The deceased was strangled, with visible marks on the neck and blood clots in the head, confirming she was hit with a blunt object,” said Dr. Oduor.
He also addressed rumors circulating on social media suggesting that Sylvia was pregnant, clarifying that the postmortem confirmed her cervix was closed and there was no pregnancy in her womb.
Dr. Oduor further ruled out drowning as the cause of death, dismissing earlier speculation from social media.
Family lawyers Danstan Omari and Shadrack Wambui assured the family that they will pursue justice for their daughter. They announced plans to file a lawsuit against the university to investigate its role in student safety.
“We will file a case in court against the university, seeking clarity on its responsibility in ensuring student security,” said Omari.
Wambui added that the incident occurred due to negligence, noting that security personnel should have responded to the commotion in time to save Sylvia’s life.
“It is shocking that a student was murdered in her room without any response from the security team. Logically, they should have heard the commotion,” Wambui said.
The family also appealed to well-wishers to support them through M-Pesa Paybill number 8062294, Account Name: Sylvia Kemunto Ayaye.
Sylvia’s body was recovered on Wednesday night in a water tank located on the rooftop of a hostel within the university premises.
The 19-year-old, a first-year student pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Computer Science, had been missing since Sunday, March 30, 2025.
Her mother, Triza Kwamboka, who resides in Kawangware, had sent her upkeep money through a church elder’s phone. When she attempted to confirm the transaction, her daughter failed to respond, prompting concern.
Kwamboka traveled to the university, only to discover that Sylvia was missing. The university administration confirmed her absence, and a report was filed at Lang’ata Police Station.
“She had told me about a young man who was making advances toward her. She said she didn’t like him, and I advised her to stand her ground,” said Kwamboka.
On the day of her disappearance, Sylvia’s roommate had gone to church, leaving her alone in their Block B, Room 90.
Investigations revealed that Sylvia’s boyfriend, Philip Eric Mutinda, a first-year Electrical Engineering student, visited her room at around 1 p.m. that day.
Mutinda has since been arrested as the main suspect in the heinous act.
