By Brian Gitonga
Meru County Governor Mutuma M’Ethingia has appealed to Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and the Kenyan government to ensure justice for the late Meru blogger Bernard Muthiani, popularly known as ‘Sniper’, ahead of his court case scheduled for June 4th to 6th.
Speaking during DP Kindiki’s visit to Meru county for the Economic Empowerment initiative yesterday at Mwendantu grounds in Imenti North Constituency, Governor Mutuma passionately appealed to the Deputy President to ensure that the case of the late ‘Sniper’ receives the attention it deserves.
He warned of the dangers of ignoring such injustices and the urgent need for continued investigations.
“Your Excellency, we heard you defend him in the Senate when you served as the Cabinet Secretary for Interior,Security and Administration. His case is scheduled to be heard on June 4th, 5th, and 6th this year. We urge the government to continue investigations because we know there are people involved in this crime so that Sniper gets justice.
Meru will never rest until justice is served because If we remain silent on this issue, tomorrow it could be you, me, or anyone else and that will be the end of Meru,” said Governor Mutuma.
Mutuma expressed gratitude to Deputy President Kindiki for his involvement upon learning of the late Sniper’s burial plans.
He recalled an April meeting where Kindiki invited him and Daniel Kiili, MP for Igembe Central, and told them that he wanted the burial to be conducted with respect and dignity.
“Your Excellency, I thank you because when you heard we were planning the burial of this young man known as Sniper, you called me to your office in April this year, together with Daniel Kiiri, the MP for Igembe Central, and told us that you didn’t want his burial to be conducted without respect,” said Governor Mutuma.
Governor Mutuma said the Deputy President had promised to build a house for Sniper’s family, which he confirmed has already been fulfilled.
He praised Kindiki for standing by his word and ensuring that Sniper’s family now has a dignified home.
“Your Excellency, you told us that you wanted to leave the mark of the government you represent on Sniper’s home. You promised to build a dignified house for his family. Today, I want to report to the youth, men, and women of Meru, and to all Kenyans, that you have fulfilled that promise and built Sniper’s family a house,” said Governor Mutuma.
In addition to seeking justice, Governor Mutuma pleaded with Deputy President to help with plans for Sniper’s final burial and to implement strategies to support the family’s future.
“Your Excellency, we the people of Meru now plead with you to help us begin the plans to lay our son, Sniper, to rest. We also ask that you support and uplift his family so that his children can receive an education, his wife can live a dignified life, and the entire family is well catered for,” said Governor Mutuma.
