High Court Action: Meru Blogger Murder Suspects Charged

Nairobi, Kenya – January 19, 2024: The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has issued a directive to charge two individuals in connection with the tragic killing of Meru blogger Daniel Muthiani Bernard, widely known as Sniper. Vincent Mureithi Kirimi, alias Supuu, and Murangiri Kenneth Guantai, alias Tali, are set to face murder charges, as confirmed in an official statement released by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Sniper went missing on December 2, 2023, prompting a widespread search. The grim discovery of his body, found dumped in Mutonga River in Tharaka Nithi County on December 16, 2023, intensified the urgency of the investigation.

The DPP, after a meticulous analysis of the case, has expressed confidence in the adequacy of evidence to support murder charges against the two suspects. Notably, Vincent Mureithi Kirimi, alias Supuu, has familial ties to Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza.

In an official statement released on Thursday, the DPP stated, “Consequently, the DPP has directed that Vincent Mureithi Kirimi alias Supuu and Murangiri Kenneth Guantai alias Tali be arraigned before the High Court at Kiambu for the offense of Murder, contrary to Section 203 as read with Section 204 of the Penal Code forthwith.”

Legal proceedings have already been set in motion, with the ODPP filing Miscellaneous Application No. E011 of 2024 and E025 of 2024 against five additional suspects. These cases are currently pending before the Kibera Law Courts.

The ODPP has committed to ensuring a thorough and prompt investigation, with a promise to issue appropriate directions upon the completion of the ongoing inquiries. “The ODPP undertakes to prosecute the matter expeditiously,” affirmed the DPP.

A crucial development in the case came with the postmortem examination conducted by government pathologist Johansen Oduor at the Marimanti Level 4 Hospital Mortuary in Tharaka Nithi, Meru County. The autopsy revealed that Sniper died as a result of strangulation.

According to Dr. Oduor, the examination uncovered marks on Sniper’s neck, fractured ribs, and head injuries, all pointing towards a violent act of strangulation. The absence of signs of struggle suggests that the blogger was subdued to a point where he could not resist. Samples of organs have been collected for toxicology tests to determine if substances were used in the commission of the crime.

The shocking news of Sniper’s demise has led to widespread calls for swift justice from his family, fellow bloggers, and political leaders. They urge authorities to ensure a thorough investigation and hold those responsible accountable for the heinous crime.

This developing story will be closely monitored as legal proceedings unfold and further updates become available.