A decomposing body was recovered from a man‑made water reservoir behind Orange County Hostels in Athi River, Machakos County, on 5 September, prompting police to launch a formal identification process.

The family of 22‑year‑old Ivy Anyango, a student at the Cooperative University of Kenya who disappeared on 9 June, says the recovered remains match her appearance and personal items, including an intact wristband.

Police have taken a tooth from the body for DNA analysis, and the remains have been transferred to the Machakos Level Five Hospital mortuary for post‑mortem examination.

Investigators are also examining forensic evidence from room A031 at the hostel, where bloodstains on walls and broken rear‑window panes were reported, suggesting a possible forced egress before the body was placed in the reservoir.

The police have not confirmed any suspect or motive, and a theory that the woman was forced through the window remains unverified.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has been notified, and detectives are seeking information about Anyango’s movements between June and September, including any contacts in Athi River or at Daystar University’s campus.

Anyango’s mother, Jackline Matunga, appealed for anyone who saw or communicated with her after June to come forward, noting that the student’s last known message indicated a return to Rongai before contact was lost.

Friends reported regular contact with Anyango until her mobile phone was reportedly lost, after which communication ceased.

The identification process hinges on DNA results, which the family is awaiting to confirm whether the recovered remains are indeed Ivy Anyango.