Meru blogger murder probe heats up as detectives cordon off Governor Kawira’s home

A cloud of suspicion hangs over Meru County following the murder of vocal blogger Daniel Muthiani, alias Sniper. DCI detectives descended upon Governor Kawira Mwangaza's Milimani estate residence on Saturday, cordoning it off and turning it into a crime scene. This dramatic move, confirmed by a police source as part of the ongoing investigation, suggests that the Governor's residence might hold critical clues in the case that has shocked the nation.

Sniper's brutal demise, attributed to strangulation according to a post-mortem, has drawn widespread condemnation from top leaders, including Interior CS Kithure Kindiki who pledged swift action. The DCI, facing public pressure for answers, is treating the Governor's residence as a potential point of interest, intensifying the investigation's focus.

Meanwhile, the five suspects 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. The five, identified as Kenneth Gatiri (alias Gasigi), Fredrick Kiugi (alias Pope), Frankline Kimathi (alias Dudu Ras), Timothy Kinoti (alias Timo), and Murangiri Guantai (alias Tali), allegedly lured Sniper to his death with a false promise of a meeting with Governor Mwangaza.

The timeline of events paints a grim picture. Sniper vanished on December 2nd, only to be found lifeless on December 16th. The post-mortem revealed telltale signs of strangulation, with marks on his neck and evidence of oxygen deprivation. Fractured ribs and head injuries further indicated a brutal struggle before his unfortunate demise.

With Governor Mwangaza's residence now part of the investigative landscape and five suspects facing potential extended detention, the pressure is mounting on the DCI to deliver answers.