The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has denied causing “delay” in murder case of Meru blogger Daniel Muthiani Bernard.
In a statement dated December 26, the ODPP denied claims that “they did not give directions on how to proceed with the case”.
Following the disappearance of the deceased blogger popularly known as Sniper, one suspect identified as Vincent Muriithi Kirimi alias Supuu Wa Mioro was arrested.
“Owing to the fact that the whereabouts of abducted person was unknown, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), through the ODPP filed Criminal Miscellaneous application No. E116 of 2023 seeking custodial orders pending completion of investigations,” ODPP wrote.
ODPP blames DCI
Apparently, the Chief Magistrate in Maua declined to grant them custodial orders and instead released the suspect on KSh20,000 cash bail.
He was also ordered to make an appearance at the police station every 14 days, pending mention of the case on January 5, 2024.
However, events took a different turn when the abductee was discovered dead.
The ODPP claims they wrote to the DCI to being investigations into the murder and submit the inquiry file for further directions.
Contrary to accusations raised against them, the ODPP maintained that they were yet to receive the inquiry file, implying that the “delay” was occasioned by the investigative agency.
“Upon receipt of the inquiry file for murder and any other charges disclosed by the evidence gathered, the ODPP shall give appropriate directions in accordance with the law,” read part of their statement.
Meru blogger discovered dead
An autopsy conducted on the body of Meru blogger Daniel Muthiani, popularly known as Sniper, has revealed that he was strangled to death.
The autopsy was conducted on Friday, December 22 at Marimanti Level 4 hospital.
Chief government pathologist Johansen Oduor says that the body had marks on the neck as well as fractured ribs.
The body also had injuries on the head, with all these suggesting that he was strangled before being tossed into the river.
Sniper went missing on December 2, and his body was found on Deceber 6 at Mutonga River in Tharaka Nithi County.
According to the family, all they want now is justice.
