Summary:

• The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has recovered a vehicle believed to have been used in the abduction and subsequent disposal of the body of slain political activist and blogger Daniel Muthiani, alias Sniper.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has recovered a vehicle suspected to have been involved in the abduction and disposal of the body of Daniel Muthiani, known as Sniper, a slain political activist and blogger.

Under the leadership of Director Martin Nyabuto, homicide detectives spent the entirety of Friday at Meru Central Police Station, examining the vehicle for fingerprints to identify individuals who may have interacted with the Toyota Premio.

Lenny Kisaka, the DCI Eastern region coordinator, indicated that the vehicle is believed to have transported Muthiani’s body from Meru town to Mutonga River in Tharaka Nithi County, where it was discovered hidden in a thicket.

“The vehicle was apprehended within Meru County, and we are conducting forensic investigations to determine the next steps,” Kisaka stated in a phone interview with the Nation.

Muthiani disappeared on December 2, 2023, and his remains were found on December 16.

A post-mortem examination conducted by government pathologist Johansen Oduor revealed that Muthiani had been subjected to torture before being strangled to death.

The heinous murder prompted widespread outrage, with human rights activists and bloggers urging the DCI to expedite the investigation and bring Muthiani’s perpetrators to justice.

To date, 10 suspects have been apprehended, including Murangiri Kenneth Guantai, the brother of Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza. They are scheduled to face murder charges on January 29.

“Based on recent findings, the investigative team has identified Vincent Mureithi Kirimi, also known as Supuu, as the driver who rented the vehicle on the day of Sniper’s abduction and murder, transporting three other individuals, including Brian Mwenda, Christus Manyara Kiambi, and Boniface Kithinji Njihia, alias DJ Kaboom,” announced the DCI via its social media platforms on Saturday morning.

During a visit to Maua town in Igembe South, President William Ruto and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua assured residents that the government is committed to ensuring that Muthiani’s killers are held accountable under the full extent of the law.

“Kenya upholds the rule of law, and the family of the young man who was brutally murdered will receive justice. The president pledged to uphold the rule of law, and on behalf of the government, I assure you that justice will be served,” stated the Deputy President.

“Those responsible will be apprehended, prosecuted, and incarcerated. Murder is a grave offense, and the perpetrators will not evade justice.”