Meru senator Kathuri Murungi wants the Senate to issue a statement over the abduction, torture and murder of political blogger Daniel Muthiani alias Sniper. Muthiani was murdered and his body found dumped in River Mutonga, Tharaka Nithi County on December 16, 2023 after disappearing for over 10 days.
In a letter addressed to the Senate National Security committee chaired by Baringo Senator William Cheptumo, Mr Murungi wants the government to provide a status report on the investigation into the murder, and should state preliminary findings or insights that may have emerged.
“The statement should also clarify reasons behind significant delay in concluding investigations and absence of public updates in its progress, given the widespread concern and the urgency with which the family of the deceased seeks closure,” the Senate Deputy Speaker says in his letter dated March 13, 2024.
He also wants the committee to outline specific actions and measures the government intends to implement with the view to address and prevent escalating incidents of harassment, intimidation and violence against journalists and political bloggers in the country.
Muthiani’s murder raised political temperatures in Meru county leading to demonstrations that paralysed normal activities in most parts of the county as the family declared they will not lay their kin to rest until culprits are brought to book.
Two weeks ago, Peris Mugera, a political commentator and blogger based in Tharaka Nithi County who went missing on February 29 was murdered in mysterious circumstances. Her body was found on the roadside along Makutano – Sagana highway on March 4, 2024.
According to police reports, the body was found with bruises on the forehead. So far, no suspect has been arrested in connection to the murder even as the family calls for justice. The senator also wants the committee to summon Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki to answer questions concerning the killings.
