Meru blogger Daniel Muthiani popularly known as Sniper was poisoned with two insecticides before being strangled to death.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki who appeared before the Senate to respond to a question by Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi, said the government was keen on delivering justice to Sniper’s family.
In his statement, CS Kindiki said there was watertight evidence against the five suspects who have been arraigned in court.
Sniper went missing on December 2, 2023 before his body was recovered on December 7th.
CS Kindiki recounted to the house the last moments of Sniper and said the five suspects; Vincent Murithi alias Supuu o Mioro, Kenneth Murangiri alias Tali, Christus Manyara Kiambi alias Chris, Brian Mwenda alias Brayo, and Bonface Kithinji Njiiyia alias DJ Kaboom have been placed at the centre of the abduction and murder of Sniper.
“Samples collected during the postmortem showed that there were systemic insecticides in the body.”
“Kenneth Guantai was in constant communication with Supuu during the luring of the deceased, abduction and dumping of the body. He later met the other suspects after the execution of the crime,” CS Kindiki said.
He said investigations were still open in search of more accomplices.
“This is a complicated crime and we believe there are other accomplices but we do not have direct or circumstantial evidence to charge more people. However, have a watertight case against the five suspects,” Prof Kindiki said.
The CS further appealed to the family of the late Muthiani to lay him to rest, assuring that justice will be served.
“We are trying to reach out to the family informally to convince the family and the community to bury the deceased.”
“The government does not need any kind of pressure to do what it is supposed to do. Keeping the body does not add any value to the cause of justice,” he said.
CS Kindiki said various interventions have been put in place to avert threats against bloggers and freedom of expression.
“We have established special unit within the DCI to address cyber-related crimes. It is responsible for protecting freedom of expression in cyber space,” he said.
Prof Kindiki said investigations are ongoing in 19 counties to unearth online and physical gangs.
“We have active investigations in 19 counties where leaders have organised groups to attack people physically and online by inciting violence. We have to deal with this problem before it goes overboard,” he said.
He added, “Encourage any blogger who feels threatened to report so that action is taken.”
