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DCI forms special unit to probe online attacks on bloggers

A file photo of the main entrance to the headquarters of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Kiambu County. (Photo: X/ DCI)

By Mary Wambui | 08 May 2024

The unit, formed due to an increase in cases, was also tasked with monitoring content that propagates online hate and incitement.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has established a unit to monitor threats and intimidation against persons (bloggers) who exercise their freedom of expression on social media following their increased harassment by powerful individuals across the country.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki revealed this on Wednesday as he appeared before the Senate to respond to questions regarding the ongoing probe into the abduction, torture, and execution of Meru blogger Daniel Muthiani Bernard, alias Sniper, who went missing on December 2, 2023.

"We have established a special unit within the DCI that is handling threats and criminal activities that are being perpetuated against bloggers and people who express their freedom of expression through cyberspace and get intimidated and harassed for it," said the CS.

He added that the unit was also tasked with monitoring content that propagates online hate and incitement.

"The cyberspace is being used for freedom of expression, but also to incite violence," he said, citing active investigations in 19 counties of leaders who have organised teams of people to harass, intimidate, and incite violence online.

"We have many cases across the country of people who have formally lodged complaints by bloggers and people in cyberspace who have been threatened for expressing political or other views," he said.

Investigation report

Kindiki faced the Senate to respond to security questions from lawmakers, including Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi, who sought the minister's response to alleged delays and irregular communication in the probe into Sniper's killing.

His mutilated body was found dumped in the River Mutonga in Tharaka Nithi, where it had been for several days. It was discovered by a resident and the police informed, leading to its retrieval on December 7, 2023.

The DCI's Homicide Unit has since taken over the investigation.

"Investigations have placed five accused persons at the scene of the abduction: Vincent Muriithi Kirimi, Kenneth Murangiri Guantai, Crispus Manyara Kiambi, Brian Mwenda, and Boniface Kithinji. These five were with the deceased from Meru town to the Mutonga River, where the body was dumped," the CS told the Senate.

He added that toxicological tests by the government chemist confirmed the body contained acetamiprid and cyhalothrin, which are systemic insecticides.

"Kenneth Murangiri Guantai was particularly in constant communication with Vincent Muriithi, alias Supuu, during the time of the luring of the deceased, the time of the abduction, and the time of the disposal of the body. He thereafter met Vincent and the other accused persons at the Makutano suburb of Meru County after the execution of the crime," Kindiki said.

The minister assured the blogger's family of an impartial and comprehensive investigation.

"I assure you that no one will interfere with this investigation. All the people that investigations led us to have been investigated, including [those at] the home of the governor. Nobody is above the law. Anybody linked to this crime will be punished. We will not allow crime to thrive because of interference."