Kenyan Man Arrested Over Killing of Fellow Kenyan in Australia

South Australia Police have charged a 22-year-old Kenyan man with the alleged murder of 24-year-old Kenyan national Caleb Leriano after an investigation found his death was not the result of a road accident, as first believed.

Emergency services were called to Morphett Vale in the early hours of 11 March after a BMW sedan crashed into a Stobie pole. Leriano was found with critical injuries inside the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene despite efforts by first responders. 

The incident was initially treated as a fatal single-vehicle crash. However, forensic examinations later found that his injuries were inconsistent with those normally caused by a collision, leading police to reclassify the case as a suspected homicide.

Detectives from the Major Crime Investigation Branch began an extensive investigation using CCTV footage, dashcam recordings and mobile phone data. Police allege Leriano was assaulted at Sapphire Road Reserve before attempting to drive away. Investigators believe he then lost control of the vehicle and crashed a short distance away. Their investigation led to the arrest of 22-year-old Alan Kiplimo in Perth with assistance from Western Australia Police. 

He was later extradited to Adelaide, where he has been charged with murder. He remains in custody while court proceedings continue. The investigation remains ongoing. Detectives are searching for suspected weapons and examining digital communications, some of which require translation from Swahili. 

Police have said further evidence may be identified as inquiries continue. Under Australian law, Kiplimo is presumed innocent unless and until the charge is proven beyond reasonable doubt in court.

Leriano had moved to Adelaide in March 2025 after completing his studies at Kenya Utalii College. He worked as a chef and was remembered by family and friends as a hardworking and kind young man. His body was later returned to Kenya, where relatives and members of the community gathered for his funeral.