New details have emerged indicating that the man suspected of murdering BBC Manger Kate Mitchell had checked into Ibis Styles Hotel in Westlands, Nairobi with another lady.
According to reports on Nation, Tamati Mauti; the main suspect behind the murder of Kate, had checked into the hotel with his girlfriend Michelle Akinyi who he was set to marry in December, 2021.
Mauti and Akinyi were allocated a room on the seventh floor, while Kate had her room on the eighth floor of the same hotel.
While at the hotel, Mauti is reported to have headed down to the bar, leaving his girlfriend at their room on the seventh floor.
At the bar, Mauti and Kate are reported to have shared a few drinks before the latter left for her room. After Kate left, Mauti reportedly followed her to her room for unknown reasons. It is believed that a scuffle emanated at the room leading to the death of the BBC manager.
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“We suspect that this is when the two engaged in a scuffle that resulted in the death of Ms Mitchell, who after realising things were getting out of control, pressed the room’s alarm. This must have spooked Mr Mauti, who, forgetting they were on the eighth floor, jumped out of the window and died,” a police source privy to the murder told the local daily.
BBC Africa's office in Nairobi. [Photo: Courtesy]
All along, Mauti’s girlfriend had no idea what was happening on the eighth floor.
She only came to learn of her boyfriend’s death and Kate's murder, after the police requested for her statement when Mauti's body was found lying on the ground floor of the same hotel.
It is believed that Mauti jumped from the hotel's eighth floor in panic after allegedly murdering Kate.
Meanwhile, Kate’s family on Monday released a statement noting that they are working with relevant authorities and the BBC to understand what transpired.
"We are working with FCDO and with Kate’s colleagues at BBC Media Action to understand what happened. The circumstances surrounding her death are still being investigated, and we would ask you to ignore speculation in parts of the press and on social media," the statement issued by Kate’s brother Peter Mitchell read in part.
Peter added that the sister Kate was a deeply beloved daughter, sister, and friend who loved her work.
"Kate loved her work and was tireless in her efforts to make the world a better place. She leaves behind many, many beloved friends and colleagues around the world. We want to extend our sympathies to everyone who knew, worked with, and loved her, and our sincere thanks for the many messages of comfort we have received. We ask everyone to respect our family's privacy as we grieve Kate's loss," he stated.
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