Itumbi calls for action after brutal murder of Meru blogger

President William Ruto's digital secretary Dennis Itumbi has asked the Directorate of Criminal Investigation to swing into action and arrest those behind the murder of Meru blogger Daniel Muthiani.

Muthiani is said to have been abducted on December 14 only to be discovered dead on Sunday, December 17.

Reacting to the development, Itumbi implored the DCI to act on the matter and bring to book the killers.

"We have a great DCI Kenya boss. Please ndugu find the killers of this blogger and let them face the full force of the law," Itumbi called on DCI. 

Itumbi acknowledged that bloggers might at times have different opinions which some in society may not agree with.

He, however, said a difference in opinion is not a reason enough to harm a blogger. 

"If anyone disagrees with a blogger please do not torture and kill anyone for having an opinion. Counter it with system ya facts - unacceptable!" Itumbi said.

Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai also led bloggers on Sunday in demanding that justice be served after Muthiani's unfortunate death.

Alai said bloggers are deeply shocked and outraged by the brutal kidnapping and murder of the Meru-based blogger. 

"Muthiani’s consistent criticism of the Meru County leadership raises serious concerns about the moves behind his tragic death." the bloggers said. 

"We urgently call upon the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, along with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to launch an immediate and thorough investigation into this heinous crime."

The bloggers said it is imperative to protect the  Constitutional rights of the public, media, and bloggers as part of the fifth estate.

They noted that there are leaders who have in the past threatened bloggers. 

"Such an environment is not only hostile to free speech but also dangerous to those who dare to exercise this fundamental right," they said.

The bloggers said public officeholders must be open to scrutiny as it is an essential part of any constitutional democracy.

"The killing of blogger Daniel Muthiani must not go unpunished, and it highlights a worrying trend of threats to media freedom in Kenya," they said. 

They noted the murder of bloggers Frank Obegi in 2022 and Augustus Mutuku Mwathe in 2021, along with the unresolved cases of Tonny Chumba's and Dennis Itumbi's kidnapping and torture. 

"The disappearance of Bogonko Bosire since 2013 further underscores the gravity of the situation," they said. 

They said they are not enemies of the state.

"We are its watchdogs. In a democracy, freedom of expression is not a privilege, it is the lifeblood of accountability. We hold a mirror to power, shine a light on injustices, and give voice to the voiceless," 

They said with devolution, bloggers became more critical in society. 

"Daniel Muthiani is not just a fallen blogger, he is a symbol of the struggle for a freer, more just Kenya. His death cannot be in vain. We demand justice, we demand protection, and we demand a Kenya where truth can be spoken without fear."