Homicide detectives from the DCI headquarters have extended their investigation into the murder of blogger Benard Muthiani, widely known as ‘Sniper,’ spending a significant portion of Saturday at Governor Kawira Mwangaza’s residence in Meru.
This marks their second visit to Meru County in their pursuit of leads in the case.
“We have been to various scenes. This is part of the many places the investigators are visiting. This is a continuous process of collecting whatever is relevant to the murder that we are investigating”, DCI Coordinator Eastern Region Lenny Kisaka said.
Kisaka noted that the investigations were at an advanced stage.
Six suspects were apprehended on Friday, with the investigators now collaborating with them to delve deeper into Muthiani’s murder.
The blogger, a vocal critic of the Meru County Government, met a tragic end, prompting heightened scrutiny.
Governor Mwangaza, for the first time, addressed the issue, urging leaders not to politicize the matter and allowing the DCI to conduct a thorough investigation.
She refuted claims that the blogger had visited her official residence, emphasizing the need for a fair inquiry.
According to sources close to the investigation, call records played a crucial role in the arrest of the suspects currently in police custody.
The tension in Meru County escalated with the arrest of individuals linked to the governor, raising political implications months after she narrowly escaped impeachment.
One suspect allegedly arranged a meeting between Muthiani and the governor, triggered by videos posted on social media criticizing Mwangaza. Muthiani went missing on December 2 and was later found dead on December 16 at a riverbank near Tharaka Nithi county.
Governor Mwangaza, in a radio interview with vernacular media stations in Meru, reiterated her denial of the blogger’s visit to her official residence.
She disclosed that the residence has CCTV surveillance but emphasized that the police are yet to request the footage.
Accusing political opponents of exploiting Muthiani’s death for political gain, Mwangaza called for a focus on the ongoing investigation.
She emphasized that her official residence does not host night meetings, except for a reconciliation meeting with an MCA and an activist.
“The official residence of the governor has numerous CCTV cameras, but nobody has requested for footage,” Mwangaza stated, urging leaders to let the investigative agencies do their work without politicization.
She stressed the importance of respecting the grieving family amidst the unfolding tragedy.
