Missing Kenyan student in UK found dead in river weeks after disappearance
Missing Kenyan student in UK found dead in river weeks after disappearance
A Kenyan university student who had been reported missing in the United Kingdom has been found dead, weeks after her disappearance sparked widespread concern among her family.
The body of Edna Mmbali, a 31-year-old Kenyan, was discovered in a river in Wraysbury, Berkshire, United Kingdom on March 8, 2026.
Police from Thames Valley Police have since revealed that the body of the student who was pursuing a master’s degree at York St John University, was discovered during search operations supported by the Benkshire Buckinghamshire and Surrey Lowland Search & Rescue team.
While formal identification had not yet been completed at the time of the announcement, authorities strongly believe the body was that of the missing student, who disappeared on February 1.
Edna, who hails from Kitale, had been living in Wraysbury while studying for her MSc.
Her last sighting was on February 1, when she left her home for a walk. Her routine activity soon turned into a worrying mystery after all contact with her family stopped in the subsequent days.
After days without communication, Edna’s family raised alarm , noting that the student had always staued in constant contact with her loved ones back home.
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Once her missing status went viral, support was drawn from several groups, including human rights organization HAKI Africa, members of the Kenyan diaspora and the Kenya High Commission as well as the UK authorities.
Her family have described her as a soft-spoken individual who stood at 5 feet, 5 inches tall. In the wake of her disappearance, appeals had been made to the public to come forth with information that could help trace her whereabouts.
Before learning of her death, Edna’s family had on Sunday, March 8, organised a virtual prayer meeting hoping for her safe return.
UK authorities are yet to reveal the cause of death, with inquiries still taking place to establish the circumstances surrounding her demise.
“Formal identification of the woman has not yet taken place, but it is believed to be missing woman Edna, aged 31, from Wraysbury, who was reported missing on 1 February 2026. Edna’s next of kin have been informed,” a statement from Thames Valley Police Windsor and Maidenhead read.
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