Two charged with murder of Meru blogger ‘Sniper’

Two suspects were on Monday charged with the murder of Meru blogger Daniel Muthiani Benard, alias ‘Sniper’.

Vincent Muriithi Kirimi, alias Supuu, and Kenneth Murangiri Guantai, alias Tali, pleaded not guilty to the murder case before Lady Justice Dorah Chepkwony at Kiambu High Court after going for mental assessment to stand trial and plea taking.

The two were charged with murder contrary to Section 203 as read with section 204 of the Penal Code.

The Charges read that on diverse dates between 2nd of December 2023 and 16th December at River Mutonga in Chiakariga Sub County within Tharaka-Nthi County, jointly with others nor before court, murdered the deceased.

According to the state prosecution, objected application to deny the accused persons bond cited that they have compelling reason for the accused not released.

But on the defence side, led by Elias Mutuma for the second accused said Article 49 of the Constitution has the rights of the accused person to be bailed without any compelling reason as the prosecution cited.

In her ruling, Lady Justice Chepkwony directed that the defence file their submission and serve prosecution within seven days.

She further directed that the first accused be taken for liver operation tomorrow at Mama Lucy Hospital and be in custody at Industrial Remand until 29th February for mention and trial for bail.

Early last week, four of the suspects were released by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) after concluding their investigation and found them innocent.