Interior CS Reveals Deadly Plot Set for Slain Blogger Sniper

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has revealed disturbing details about the events leading to the untimely death of Daniel Muthiani Bernard, a blogger from Meru County who was commonly referred to as Sniper.

Kindiki discloses a chilling account of deceit and betrayal while responding to Senator Murungi Kathuri's concerns over the sluggish progress in investigating Muthiani's disappearance and death on December 2, 2023 According to Kindiki, Muthiani was lured into a fatal trap orchestrated by an aide to Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza. The blogger received a call from an individual seeking to meet him in Meru town, purportedly to resolve differences with the governor.

However, this invitation was a hoax and Muthiani fell victim to a devious plot that cost him his life. According to Kindiki, Muthiani was taken and driven to Mutonga River in Chakariga, Tarakanithi County, where he was brutally murdered, and his body was discarded into the river. The discovery of his mutilated remains on December 6, 2023, by a Karikivi resident prompted a comprehensive investigation by authorities from the Chakariga Police Station and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

The forensic analysis conducted by Chief Government Pathologist Dr Johansen Oduor revealed that Muthiani's cause of death was asphyxia due to ligature strangulation. Oduor's findings further indicated that the blogger had endured torture before his untimely demise. Forensic evidence implicated five individuals in the abduction and murder. Also, samples collected during the post-mortem examination revealed the presence of systemic insecticides. The five accused individuals were subsequently charged with murder and pleaded not guilty before the High Court at Kiambu.

Addressing concerns over potential barriers to the investigations, Kindiki reassures the Senate of the government's commitment to upholding constitutional rights, including freedom of expression and access to information. He urges journalists and bloggers who face intimidation or harassment to seek assistance from law enforcement authorities.