Political Activist and Blogger Daniel Muthiani, alias 'Sniper'
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The burial of Meru blogger Daniel Muthiani, also known as Sniper, has been indefinitely postponed due to a protracted land dispute that has attracted legal attention.
Muthiani, who was reported missing on December 2, 2023, and whose body was later retrieved from the Mutonga River, was previously scheduled to be interred on December 27, marking the second postponement within the month, following a previous delay on December 13 attributed to unresolved legal matters. For over a year, Muthiani's body has remained in a morgue while his family and local community advocate for justice before the burial.
On Christmas Day, Muthiani's mother, Ann Kanjira, disclosed that the family had received threats from Moses Lichoro, a businessman asserting ownership over their land. Kanjira expressed concerns for her family's safety, alleging that Lichoro plans to enclose the contested property. John Mutia, another family member, confirmed that Lichoro possesses the title deed of the land in question.
He stresses the need to resolve this land conflict before any burial can take place. The family has notified the police of the threats and is awaiting a response. In contrast, Lichoro refutes the allegations of intimidation, insisting that he legally acquired the land from Muthiani's deceased father. He clarifies that the disagreement involves 30 acres of land that he purchased in February last year, which has reportedly been vandalized.
Lichoro also mentions that his property was destroyed by a mob in February, resulting in substantial financial setbacks. The decision to cancel the December 13 funeral was further complicated by delays in the judicial process and the absence of legal representation. Although five individuals have been charged with Muthiani's abduction and murder, the family continues to push for additional arrests linked to the planning and financing of the crime.
The case is scheduled for mention on February 4, 2025, with a trial anticipated in June 2025. Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, now Deputy President, informed the Senate that Muthiani was reportedly lured to a meeting with Governor Kawira Mwangaza by Vincent Murithi. The suspects are alleged to have transported Muthiani to the river, where his body was ultimately disposed of.
This case has sparked controversy within the context of Mwangaza's impeachment proceedings, during which she was accused of erroneously claiming that Sh86 million had been allocated to Muthiani's family. Muthiani's widow, Irene Kawira, provided testimony during the impeachment hearing. Mwangaza has denied any involvement in the events surrounding Muthiani's death, suggesting that political adversaries have manipulated the matter.
Notably, Mwangaza's brother is among the accused, while her husband and sister have cooperated with the investigation, which has included searches of the governor's official residence.