Public outcry compels ODPP to clarify slain blogger, Sniper’s, case
Complaints from the public regarding the handling of the investigation into the death of Meru blogger Daniel Mithiani Bernard, popularly known as Sniper, are escalating.
This surge in concerns follows revelations that the suspect, identified as Vincent Muriithi Kirimi, also known as Supuu Wa Mioro, was arrested on suspicion of abduction and subsequently released.
As bloggers unite in demanding justice for their colleague, whose body was later discovered with injuries, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has issued a statement to set the record straight on the case.
Contrary to allegations that the prosecution office did not provide directions to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on how to proceed, ODPP clarified that the investigation is ongoing, even after the suspect was granted a cash bail of Sh20,000.
“Owing to the fact that the whereabouts of the abducted person were unknown, the DCI, through the ODPP, filed Criminal Miscellaneous Application No. E116 of 2023, seeking custodial orders pending the completion of investigations,” stated ODPP.
The Chief Magistrate’s court in Maua released the suspect and declined to grant custodial orders as sought by the DCI through the ODPP. Additionally, the suspect was ordered to report to the police station every 14 days, with the application for a mentioning date set for January 5th, 2024.
ODPP reiterated that, following the discovery of Snipper’s body, it directed the DCI to conduct investigations into the offense of murder and submit the resulting inquiry file for review and further directions.
“The ODPP has not received the inquiry file into the offense of murder to date. 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.”
Dennis Itumbi, among the bloggers advocating for justice in Sniper’s case, is calling for the arrest of the killers and using his social media platforms to amplify the demand.
“I use my Social Media pages to pass key messages, I use my social media pages to ask questions. I use my space to get feedback, connect dreams to opportunities, and importantly. Just like SNIPER did. DO NOT KILL US! Arrest the killers of SNIPER,” Mr. Itumbi stated in a social media post.