In a recent development, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) issued a comprehensive statement addressing concerns and providing clarity on the murder case of Meru-based Blogger Daniel Muthiani Bernard, known by the alias Sniper.
The ODPP clarified that the suspect, Supuu wa Mioro, was apprehended on suspicion of abduction.
Following the arrest, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) sought custodial orders through the ODPP’s office, given that the abducted blogger was still missing during the ongoing investigations.
However, the ODPP revealed that the Chief Magistrate’s court in Maua, Meru County, declined to grant custodial orders and instead released the suspect on a cash bail of Ksh 20,000.
The court further mandated the suspect to report to the police station every 14 days, with the mention of the case scheduled for January 5, 2024.
Addressing concerns of alleged inaction, the ODPP emphasized that, following the recovery of Daniel’s body, they instructed the DCI to investigate the murder and submit an inquiry file.
“Following the recovery of the body of the abducted person, the ODPP directed the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to undertake investigations for the offence of murder and submit the resultant inquiry file for perusal and further directions,” the statement read.
However, the ODPP noted that, as of the statement, they had not yet received the inquiry file into the offense of murder.
Digital Strategist Dennis Itumbi had earlier presented documents asserting that the ODPP had failed to provide directions to the DCI in Meru regarding the investigation.
The ODPP’s statement did not directly address Itumbi’s claims but focused on providing a detailed account of their involvement in the case.
The ODPP reassured the public that they are committed to offering appropriate directions once they receive the inquiry file related to the murder investigation.
