Governor Mutuma recounts interaction with slain Meru blogger

Meru Deputy Governor Isaac Mutuma at the burial of his mother, Joyce M'Ethingia at Makiri in Igembe South. [Phares Mutembei, Standard]

The high-profile murder trial of five individuals accused of killing Meru blogger Daniel Muthiani, popularly known as Sniper, is set to resume on February 9 next year at the Kiambu Law Courts. 

Former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza is among the key witnesses expected to testify when the case comes back for hearing. 

Proceedings continued Wednesday with the appearance of current Meru Governor Mutuma M’Ethingia, who took the stand before Justice Dorah Chepkwony. The governor, who is testifying as a witness in the case, recounted his previous interactions with the late blogger and described their communication pattern. 

Mutuma told the court that he had known Sniper for some time and had occasionally assisted him financially. He noted that their exchanges were mostly one-sided, with the blogger often reaching out for help. 

“The communication was largely monologue. He once requested financial support to purchase insecticides for his miraa farm. I did not respond to his messages, but I did send the money,” the governor said. 

He further clarified that although he was acquainted with the first and second accused persons, he had no personal dealings with the remaining suspects. He also distanced himself from political tensions linked to Mwangaza's impeachment, saying he was not involved in those disputes. 

Earlier in the session, State prosecutor Augustine Gacharia raised alarm after all defence lawyers failed to appear in court without issuing any formal communication. He questioned whether their absence was a strategy to delay the trial. 

According to Gacharia, one accused person claimed his lawyer was unwell; another said his counsel was attending Senate impeachment proceedings, while a third lawyer could not be contacted. 

Justice Chepkwony allowed the hearing to continue, noting that Governor Mutuma had previously stood down due to a power interruption. 

The accused, including Vincent Mureithi Kirimi alias Supuu and Murangiri Kenneth Guantai alias Tali, have denied killing Muthiani between December 23 and 26, 2023, at Mutonga River in Tharaka Nithi County.