MERU, Kenya — More than a year after his battered body was pulled from a riverbank in Tharaka Nithi, Bernard Muthiani—known online as “Sniper”—is finally going to be buried.
The 33-year-old blogger disappeared on 2 December 2023. Four days later, his body was discovered in an advanced state of decomposition near Mutonga River. His murder sent shockwaves through Meru and across the country.
Now, after months of public pressure and political wrangling, Muthiani’s family says they’re ready to lay him to rest.
“We are grieving, but we are relieved this day has come,” said Irene Kawira, his widow. “My children have cried for months. They kept asking when their father will come home.”
A Delayed Burial, A Long Wait
The family had refused to bury him until there was movement in the case. They wanted answers. They wanted justice.
And they weren’t alone.
Tigania East MP Mpuru Aburi and other Meru leaders backed the family’s stance, demanding the arrest of those behind the killing.
“It was not right to bury him while the murder remained a mystery,” said Mr Aburi. “He spoke truth to power. That should not be a death sentence.”
The case became a political firestorm in Meru, with leaders trading accusations and blame.
Muthiani had built a large following online with satirical videos criticising local leaders and governance. He was known for speaking plainly and pushing boundaries.
Some locals believe that outspokenness made him a target.
A Community Demands Justice
Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma confirmed that the government had stepped in to help the family.
Speaking during a public address in Meru town, he said: “Deputy President Kindiki promised to build the widow and her children a decent house. That promise has been fulfilled.”
Mr Mutuma added that the county government would ensure the children have access to education and support going forward.
Prof Kithure Kindiki, now Deputy President, had been involved in the case since his days as Interior Cabinet Secretary. He had earlier told the Senate that Muthiani was lured to Meru town by a man known to him—Vincent Murithi, alias Supuu—who said they were meeting with former Governor Kawira Mwangaza to settle differences.
Shortly after that meeting was supposed to happen, Muthiani disappeared.
Days later, he was dead.
Arrests and Investigations
Detectives recovered a vehicle believed to have been used in the crime. Several suspects were arrested. The case is expected to resume in court this June.
But the story hasn’t gone quiet. Many still want to know who ordered the killing—and why.
Appearing before the Senate in 2024, Kindiki said: “The young man was murdered in cold blood. We will not allow his killers to walk free.”
President William Ruto also weighed in, saying the government was committed to ensuring justice is done.
“Kenya is a country of law,” said then-Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. “Whoever did this will be arrested, charged and jailed.”
Politics and Pressure
The murder sparked infighting among Meru politicians. Some accused others of trying to cover up the crime. Others claimed it was being used for political gain.
Former Governor Mwangaza, one of Muthiani’s frequent critics online, denied involvement and called for her name to be cleared.
She accused political rivals of dragging her name into the case unfairly and insisted they should also be investigated.
Police carried out searches at the official governor’s residence, and the spotlight remained fixed on Meru’s political scene.
Saying Goodbye
As final burial plans take shape, the family says they hope this will bring closure.
“This is not just about Bernard,” said a relative. “It’s about every voice that dares to speak out. We want to believe Kenya is still a country where that is safe.”
Muthiani leaves behind a wife and two young children. For them, justice remains personal.
The nation now watches and waits.
Will the courts deliver justice? Will those responsible be held to account?
For now, at least, Sniper can finally be laid to rest.
