DCI detectives recover vehicle used to ferry slain Sniper

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) have recovered a vehicle that was allegedly used to abduct the late Meru blogger Daniel Muthiani Benard alias Sniper.

According to the detectives, the vehicle a silver Toyota Premio, was recovered on Friday at the Canopy area of Kithoka, Meru County.

"The identification and subsequent recovery of the vehicle followed a thorough forensic analysis of crucial leads, which pointed to a residential place," the DCI said.

The detectives added that the investigating team has also identified a suspect believed to be the driver who had hired the vehicle on the date of Sniper's abduction.

"In the latest establishments, the investigating team has identified the driver who hired the vehicle on the date of the abduction and gruesome murder of Sniper," the DCI said.

The detectives noted that further investigations are ongoing with the Homicide team working expeditiously on the case.

On December 2, 2023, Sniper's body was found disposed of at Mutonga River in Chiakariga area of Tharaka Nithi.

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.

Five suspects who were apprehended in connection with the murder face the prospect of extended detention.

The DCI is seeking a 21-day remand period to finalize investigations, citing the need to track down additional suspects and gather further evidence.