Meru blogger 'Sniper' set to be buried over a year since his murder

Slain Meru-based blogger Benard 'Sniper' Muthiani is finally set to be buried over a year since his murder.

Muthiani was reported missing on December 2, 2023, and on December 6, 2023, his decomposing body was recovered from a riverbank in the neighbouring Tharaka Nithi County.

On Monday, Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma said plans to accord Muthiani a decent burial were finally underway, revealing that Deputy President Kithure Kindiki had fulfilled his pledge and built a house for the family.

Speaking in the presence of Prof Kindiki in Meru town, Mutuma said that as a community they want to see justice done and for his young widow and children supported.

The governor promised to ensure the children are supported to get an education.

• .

  Keep Reading

• 
  Kindiki defends gov't projects in Mt Kenya, slams critics
• 
  Inside secondary schools shake-up in preparation for CBC transition
• 
  MP questions source of millions distributed by Kindiki
• 
  DP blames soaring land prices for flood victims' resettlement delay

"I want to report that you have fulfilled your promise to build a decent house for the young widow and children," he said.

The 33-year-old father of two made a name for his satirical videos posted on social media, in which he focused on matters of leadership, governance and politics.

A section of residents claim he was murdered because of rubbing a section of leaders the wrong way and have demanded thorough investigations to arrest his killer(s).

His family and a section of Meru leaders, such as Tigania East MP Mpuru Aburi, had vowed they would not bury him until his killers were arrested and justice rendered.

His wife, Irene Kawira, said the blogger left their home at Kabuito in Igembe South after he received a phone call from someone known to him.

“We are depressed. The children cannot sleep and are crying all the time. My husband was just a simple farmer,” she said back then.

Directorate of Criminal Investigations detectives recovered a vehicle suspected to have been used in the murder.

Some suspects were arrested, and the case is expected to resume in June.

 Muthiani's murder attracted national attention and became a political issue as Meru leaders pointed an accusing finger at one another.

Meru leaders, including former Governor Kawira Mwangaza and area MPs, called for investigations to ensure those who planned and executed the murder are brought to book.

Investigations had revealed that the blogger had left his home for an alleged meeting with Mwangaza, one of the leaders he had criticised on social media.

The former governor had accused her political opponents of turning the matter into a political tool and said they should also be investigated.

Police conducted investigations at the official governor's residence.

Appearing before the Senate in May 2024 as then Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kindiki had said, "The deceased was at his home when he received a call from Vincent Murithi, alias Supuu, who requested to meet him in Meru town to attend an alleged meeting with the governor of Meru to discuss their differences."

But his body was later found dumped by Mutonga River in Chiakariga.

It is an issue that also attracted the interest of national leaders too, with President William Ruto and his then deputy Rigathi Gachagua saying the culprits will face the law.

“Kenya is a country of rule of law, and the family of the young man who was brutally killed will get justice. The president swore to uphold the rule of law, and on his behalf and that of the government, I want to assure you that justice will be served,” said Mr Gachagua.

He said the perpetrators will not escape the law.

“Those found culpable will be arrested, charged and jailed. Murder is a serious crime, and whoever killed him will not get away with it,” he had said.