Body found in the search for missing student
Edna Mmbali Ombakho from Kenya was reported missing on February 1, 2026
The Source: Body found in the search for missing student
Edna Mmbali Ombakho from Kenya was reported missing on February 1, 2026, and a body believed to be hers has been found in water. Friends and family described her as “quiet, diligent and with strong academic ambitions.”
STORY BY MELISSA SIGODO
MARCH 11, 2026
A body has been found in water in the search for a student who disappeared a month ago.
Edna Mmbali Ombakho from Kenya was reported missing on February 1, 2026, and now nearly six weeks later, police say they have found a body they believe is hers.
The 31-year-old was said to have been studying a Master of Science degree at York St John University in London, and her family had been appealing for information following her disappearance.
According to Kenyan news site Mwakilishi, Edna who was described as “a quiet, diligent student with strong academic ambitions” was regularly in touch with her family, but after over a week without contact, they raised the alarm.
Edna’s father and sister attended a formal briefing at Slough Police Station where they were joined by representatives from the Kenya High Commission, members of the UK–Kenya Diaspora Community as well as the student’s friends, Mwakilishi reported at the time.
In a Facebook post, Kenyan Diaspora Media said members of the River of Christian Fellowship had planned to hold a virtual meeting to pray for her safe return.
Now, following a joint search with Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Surrey Lowland Search and Rescue, Thames Valley Police have released a statement saying that a body was found in water in Wraysbury on Sunday, March 8.
The force says that formal identification has yet to take place but Edna’s next of kin have been informed.
The Thames Valley Police statement read: “Following joint searches, a body was found in water in Wraysbury on Sunday (8/3).
“Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Surrey Lowland Search & Rescue helped us in our searches and we thank them for their hard work.
“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 file is being prepared for the coroner.
“Our thoughts remain with Edna’s family at this difficult time.”
The Source has contacted Thames Valley Police for more details around the case.