In a startling disclosure before the Senate, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki shed light on the sinister events leading to the tragic demise of Meru County-based blogger Daniel Muthiani Bernard, popularly known as Sniper.
Responding to inquiries posed by Meru Senator Murungi Kathuri, Kindiki unveiled a chilling narrative of betrayal and murder that sent shockwaves through the nation.
Senator Kathuri sought answers regarding the status of investigations into the abduction, torture, and execution of Daniel Muthiani Bernard, alias Sniper, who vanished on December 2, 2023. He questioned the prolonged duration of the investigations and the lack of consistent communication on the matter, echoing the concerns of a nation gripped by the tragedy.
Kindiki's revelations painted a grim picture of deceit and brutality. He disclosed that Muthiani was lured into a deadly trap by an aide to Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza.
Detailing the sequence of events, Kindiki stated, “On the second of December, 2023, the deceased was at his home when he received a call from one (name withheld), who requested to meet with him at Meru town under the guise of attending a meeting with the governor of Meru County to resolve their differences."
The unsuspecting Muthiani fell victim to the ruse and was subsequently abducted upon arriving in Meru Town. Kindiki continued, "Upon arrival at Meru Town, he was abducted and driven to Mutonga River in an area called Chiakariga in Taraka Nithi County. He was killed and his body thrown into River Mutonga at a place called Mutonga Bridge, where it remained undiscovered for several days."
The shocking discovery of Muthiani's mutilated body on December 6, 2023, by a resident of the Karikivi area marked the beginning of a gruelling investigation. Police officers from Chiakariga Police Station and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) responded to the scene, retrieving the deceased's body from the river.
Subsequent forensic analysis conducted by Chief Government Pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor revealed the cause of death as asphyxia due to ligature strangulation, further deepening the horror of Muthiani's fate. Oduor revealed that the blogger was tortured before his killing.
Investigations identified five individuals allegedly involved in the abduction and murder. Samples collected during the post-mortem examination revealed the presence of systemic insecticides, implicating the accused in the heinous crime.
Following the investigation, charges of murder were recommended against the five accused persons, who subsequently pleaded not guilty before the High Court at Kiambu. They are currently remanded in Nairobi and Kitengela Remand Prisons, awaiting trial.
In response to concerns regarding the delay in investigations, Kindiki assured the Senate that the government is committed to upholding freedom of expression and the right to information as enshrined in the constitution.
He urged journalists and bloggers facing intimidation or harassment to report such incidents to law enforcement agencies, stressing the government's dedication to ensuring justice for all.
