Shocking Testimony Reveals Dark Events Leading to Meru Blogger Sniper’s Tragic Death
In a shocking testimony before the Senate, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki revealed the dark events surrounding the tragic death of Meru County-based blogger Daniel Muthiani Bernard, also known as Sniper.
Answering questions from Meru Senator Murungi Kathuri, Kindiki presented a disturbing account of betrayal and murder that left the nation stunned.
Senator Kathuri questioned the status of the investigation into the abduction, torture, and execution of Bernard, who went missing on December 2, 2023. He expressed concern over the lengthy duration of the investigation and the lack of regular updates, reflecting the nation’s anxiety.
Kindiki described a harrowing tale of deceit and violence, revealing that Muthiani was ensnared in a deadly trap set by an aide to Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza.
Kindiki narrated the events, stating, “On December 2, 2023, Muthiani was at his home when he received a call from a person (name withheld) asking to meet him at Marytown under the pretense of a meeting with the Meru County governor to settle disputes.”
Muthiani unsuspectingly fell into the trap and was abducted upon reaching Meru Town. Kindiki continued, “When he arrived in Meru Town, he was abducted and taken to Mutonga River in an area called Chakariga in Tarakanithi County. He was murdered, and his body was thrown into River Mutonga at Mutonga Bridge, where it went undiscovered for several days.”
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Muthiani’s mutilated body was found on December 6, 2023, by a resident of the Karikivi area, initiating a challenging investigation. Police officers from Chakariga Police Station and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) retrieved his body from the river.
Further forensic analysis by Chief Government Pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor determined the cause of death as asphyxia from ligature strangulation, revealing that Muthiani was tortured before his death.
Investigations identified five individuals allegedly involved in the abduction and murder. Samples from the post-mortem examination showed traces of systemic insecticides, implicating the accused in the crime.
The investigation led to murder charges against the five accused, who pleaded not guilty before the High Court at Kiambu. They are currently held in Nairobi and Kitengela Remand Prisons, awaiting trial.
Kindiki addressed concerns about the delay in the investigation, assuring the Senate that the government is dedicated to protecting freedom of expression and the right to information as outlined in the constitution.
He urged journalists and bloggers experiencing intimidation or harassment to report such instances to law enforcement agencies, emphasizing the government’s commitment to ensuring justice for all.
Shocking Testimony Reveals Dark Events Leading to Meru Blogger Sniper’s Tragic Death