Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have taken two individuals into custody concerning the killing of a Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) clergy member in Nakuru.
According to a DCI statement released on Saturday, May 9, the detained suspects were discovered with belongings identified as part of the property stolen during the May 3 attack that claimed the life of Reverend Julius Ngari.
The DCI indicated that the assault on and subsequent killing of Ngari might be linked to an extensive criminal syndicate, with additional suspects being actively sought while the investigation proceeds.
The DCI communicated to the public that it is providing updates regarding its investigation into the tragic incident at PCEA Tabuga Church in Nakuru North Sub-County during the night of May 3.
The agency mentioned that thorough forensic and intelligence-based investigations conducted by DCI units specializing in Homicide, Crimes and Robbery Investigation Bureau, and Operations Support Unit, working alongside Nakuru North officers, resulted in the apprehension of two individuals connected to the crime. These individuals were found with valuables confirmed to be among those stolen from the deceased Reverend.
As reported by the authority, the two individuals are currently detained and being subjected to questioning.
The agency emphasized that investigators are performing advanced forensic examinations and carefully examining crucial evidence that appears connected to a broader criminal network responsible for this abhorrent crime.
The arrests came in the wake of a merciless attack on the night of May 3, when assailants invaded the church, injuring the security guard before fleeing with various items.
Law enforcement officials suspect the perpetrators entered the church premises in the early hours of Monday, approximately 2 am, before moving to the residence where the clergyman lived, indicating a premeditated and intentional breach.
The clergyman’s body was subsequently found lying in a pool of blood. Simultaneously, a church security guard who possibly attempted to intervene was located nearby unconscious and with injuries, prompting additional inquiries regarding the sequence of events during the attack.
A previous autopsy had shown that Ngari’s death was caused by severe head trauma involving multiple injuries.
A pathologist who examined the Reverend’s body on May 6 reported, ‘Upon inspection, the deceased was found bound with injuries primarily to the head, both frontal and rear regions, as well as some to the neck. These were the most apparent injuries observed.’