The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has responded to Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza’s call for transparency regarding the murder investigation of blogger Daniel Muthiani, popularly known as ‘Sniper.’
Governor Mwangaza, in a press address on Friday, passionately requested detailed evidence regarding the recent raid at her residence in connection to the ‘Sniper’ murder probe.
“By tomorrow the DCI should provide detailed evidence on what they found in my residence. Failure to that, we will protest as Meru residents until we receive that report,” she stated.
The DCI has now responded with information that places Vincent Muriithi, also known as Supuu, at the core of the investigation.
Governor Mwangaza did not shy away from accusing the investigation of being politicized. She claimed that the police admitted to being coerced by senior leaders to pursue a specific agenda. The Governor also pointed fingers at Deputy Governor Isaac Mutuma M’Ethingia, alleging that an individual allegedly paid by him had contacted the blogger multiple times before his tragic demise.
“Why haven’t the DCI told us that there was a person who contacted Sniper more than 15 times that same day to the last minute, and that the Deputy Governor sent him money? We demand to know,” said Kawira.
In a bold move, Governor Mwangaza asserted that the suspects set to be charged with ‘Sniper’s’ murder are being compelled to frame her due to a lack of evidence. She disclosed the existence of recordings allegedly exposing a witness who disclosed evidence with the intent to implicate her.
The Meru County boss called on the DCI to release the names of all individuals who allegedly sent money to the blogger through M-Pesa on the day of his reported murder.
We want to know which government officials sent the witnesses who have appeared in court money through M-Pesa. We know you. We want a clear explanation. We want the report from both sides,” she added.
In response to Governor Mwangaza’s claims, the DCI provided a detailed account of their investigation.
They revealed that a team of homicide detectives recommended murder charges on several suspects found culpable, including Vincent Muriithi alias Supuu.
The statement detailed the forensic evidence and data analysis involved in the investigation since the DCI took over the case.
The DCI disclosed that the High Court in Kiambu has given directions for the mental assessment of Vincent Muriithi and Kenneth Murangiri Guantai (AP officer), scheduled ahead of their plea taking on January 29, 2024.
”While the High Court in Kiambu has already given directions for the mental assessment of Vincent Muriithi and Kenneth Murangiri Guantai (AP officer) ahead of their plea taking on January 29, 2024, the remaining three suspects (Boniface Kithinji Njihia alias DJ Kaboom, Brian Mwenda alias Brayo and Christus Manyara Kiambi) who are already in police custody after custodial orders were granted by the Kibera Chief Magistrate court will be arraigned on the same day.” The DCI wrote
While the DCI’s response addressed progress in the case, it did not directly confront the specific allegations made by Governor Mwangaza. The statement emphasized ongoing investigations, with more arrests expected as the Directorate strives to bring all culprits involved in the murder to justice.
