DCI seeks 21 days to detain five suspects in murder of Meru blogger Sniper

In documents submitted in court, the DCI says the 21 days will enable them to conclude investigations, noting that more suspects are yet to be arrested.

"The investigations team is seeking vital information... more other suspects who were involved in the murder are yet to be arrested," reads court papers.

The five include; Kenneth Mutua Gatiri alias Gasigi, Fredrick Muruiki Kiugi alias Pope, Frankline Kimathi alias Dudu Ras, Timothy Kinoti alias Timo and Murangiri Kenneth Guantai alias Tali.

According to the investigators, the deceased was lured by the five suspects through a phone call alleging that Governor Mwangaza wanted to meet him.

Sniper disappeared on December 2 and his body was discovered on December 16, 2023.

A post-mortem examination conducted on the body of the deceased at the Marimanti Level 4 Hospital mortuary in Tharaka Nithi, Meru County, revealed that he died of strangulation.

Government pathologist Johansen Oduor, who conducted the examination, said Sniper had marks on his neck and exhibited signs of a person who had lacked oxygen.

He also had fractured ribs and showed injuries on his head which suggested that he was strangled before being thrown into a river.

Following his death, leaders came out to condemn the cold-blood murder with Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki vowing stern action against individuals involved.