Manhunt for killer after murder of Kenyan bank executive in London

Police in the United Kingdom have launched a manhunt after a Kenyan banking executive was found bludgeoned to death at her home.

Marianne Kilonzi, 43, was found dead from blunt force trauma after neighbours heard screams coming from her flat on Friday last week which was reportedly locked from the inside.

A statement released on Tuesday, January 21, by the Metropolitan Police Service said that the body of Ms Kilonzi was found in Argyll Road, SE18 at around 5:25pm on Friday, January 17 following concerns for the welfare of the occupant.

“This is a tragic crime and our thoughts at this incredibly difficult time are with Marianne’s loved ones and colleagues. We are in contact with her family, who are being supported by specialist colleagues,” lead detective Chief Inspector Suzanne Soren, from Specialist Crime South, said in the statement. 

Police had to break into her apartment to access it because it had been locked from inside.

A post-mortem held on Saturday, January 18, gave the victim’s cause of death as “blunt force trauma and head injury.”

Neighbours heard screaming at the time of the killing and were told by police a suspect is believed to have fled the country, according to Metro.

According to her LinkedIn profile, Ms Kilonzi was currently working as a vice president for trade at Citibank in London after being promoted from the Kenya office.

She had previously served as vice president, of treasury and trade solutions at Citibank, Kenya for almost two years after working for almost 16 years as assistant vice president.

She studied Bachelor of Science (Computer Science) at Kenyatta University between 2001 and 2004.

A Citibank spokeswoman said: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our colleague. Our thoughts are with Marianne’s family and friends during this difficult time.”

Police in London believe the suspect was known to the victim and it was carrying out urgent inquiries to trace a named individual.

“This is a fast-paced investigation and I would urge anyone with any information to come forward,” police added.