Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) raided the home of Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza in Milimani estate on Saturday.

The operation was part of an investigation into the murder of the county's vociferous blogger, Daniel Muthiani, alias Sniper.

PHOTO | COURTESY DCI search Kawira's home

The assassination of Sniper has been criticized by a number of the country's highest leaders, including Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki, who has threatened strong punishment against those implicated.

The detectives purportedly treat Governor Mwangaza's mansion as a prospective area of interest in the investigation, which has received much public attention.

This comes as the DCI seeks to keep five people arrested in connection with the murder for 21 days.

PHOTO | COURTESY Kawira

The DCI stated in court records that the period will allow them to complete investigations, noting that more suspects have still to be arrested.

Kenneth Mutua Gatiri alias Gasigi, Fredrick Muruiki Kiugi alias Pope, Franklin Kimathi alias Dudu Ras, Timothy Kinoti alias Timo, and Murangiri Kenneth Guantai alias Tali are the five accused now in detention.

Investigators believe the five suspects enticed the deceased via a phone call claiming that Governor Mwangaza wanted to meet with him.

Sniper went missing on December 2, 2023, and his body was recovered on December 16, 2023.

A post-mortem examination of the deceased's body at the Marimanti Level 4 Hospital mortuary in Tharaka Nithi, Meru County, found that he died as a result of strangling.

Sniper had marks on his neck and showed evidence of having been deprived of air, according to government pathologist Johansen Oduor, who conducted the examination.

He also suffered shattered ribs and head injuries, implying that he was strangled before being thrown into a river.