DPP seeks 21 days to detain suspect in Meru blogger Sniper’s murder

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) is seeking 21 days to detain the suspect in the murder of Meru blogger Daniel Muthiani Bernard alias Sniper pending the conclusion of the investigations.

The suspect, Vincent Murithi Kirimi alias Supuu Omioro, was on Tuesday arraigned at the Kiambu Chief Magistrate’s Court.

The ODPP, in a statement to newsrooms on Wednesday, said the court adjourned to Monday next week when it will rule on the application by the prosecution.

“Vincent Murithi Kirimi alias Supuu 0 Mioro was arrested and arraigned in court on 2nd January 2024 before the Chief Magistrate's Court in Kiambu vide miscellaneous application No. E001 of 2024 filed by the ODPP seeking custodial orders for 21 days, pending the conclusion of investigations into the murder of Daniel Muthiani Bernard alias Sniper,” stated the ODPP.

“Upon hearing the parties, the Chief Magistrate's Court, Kiambu adjourned the matter to 8th January 2024 when the ruling will be delivered. The suspect, Vincent Murithi Kirimi alias Supuu 0mioro shall remain in police custody until 8th January 2024.”

The DPP has consequently directed Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome to forward the murder inquiry file to his office within 7 days.

While reassuring the public that the perpetrators will be brought to book, the DPP also said a team of senior prosecutors has since been reconstituted to guide the investigations.

“Upon receipt of the Murder Inquiry File, the DPP undertakes to review the facts and evidence contained therein in line with the Constitution of Kenya, the ODPP Decision to Charge Guidelines of 2019 together with the relevant laws and issue appropriate directions concerning the matter,” added the statement.

Sniper disappeared on December 2, and his body was discovered on December 16, 2023.

A post-mortem examination conducted on the body of the deceased at the Marimanti Level 4 Hospital mortuary in Tharaka Nithi, Meru County, revealed that he died of strangulation.

Government pathologist Johansen Oduor, who conducted the examination, said Sniper had marks on his neck and exhibited signs of a person who had lacked oxygen.

He also had fractured ribs and showed injuries on his head which suggested that he was strangled before being thrown into a river.

Following his death, leaders came out to condemn the cold-blood murder with Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki vowing stern action against individuals involved.