DCI Arrests Two Suspects Over Brutal Killing of Nakuru PCEA Reverend as Hunt for Wider Gang Intensifies
Detectives investigating the shocking murder of a Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) cleric in Nakuru have arrested two suspects believed to be linked to the deadly attack that left the church community in mourning.
In a statement issued on Saturday, May 9, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed that the suspects were found in possession of valuables allegedly stolen during the violent raid that resulted in the death of Reverend Julius Ngari at PCEA Tabuga Church in Nakuru North Sub-County.
The agency said the arrests followed “extensive forensic and intelligence-led investigations” conducted by specialized units, including homicide detectives, the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CR&IB), and the Operations Support Unit (OSU), working alongside officers from Nakuru North.
“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) wishes to update members of the public on the progress of investigations into the tragic incident that occurred at PCEA Tabuga Church in Nakuru North Sub-County on the night of May 3,” the statement read.
“Following extensive forensic and intelligence-led investigations by DCI teams from Homicide, CR&IB, and OSU, in collaboration with officers from Nakuru North, two suspects have been arrested in connection with the crime. The suspects were found in possession of valuables confirmed to be among the items stolen from the late Reverend,” the agency added.
The two suspects are currently being held in police custody as detectives intensify interrogations and forensic analysis aimed at uncovering what investigators now suspect could be a larger criminal syndicate operating in the region.
“Detectives are conducting advanced forensic analyses and meticulously reviewing critical evidence believed to be linked to a wider criminal network behind this heinous act,” DCI further stated.
The chilling incident occurred during the night of May 3 when unknown assailants reportedly stormed the church compound in the early hours of the morning.
Preliminary investigations indicate the attackers gained access to the premises at around 2am before heading directly to the church manse where Reverend Ngari lived — a move detectives believe points to a calculated and deliberate operation.
The cleric was later found lying in a pool of blood inside the compound, while a church watchman believed to have attempted to intervene was discovered nearby unconscious and seriously injured.
The gruesome murder sent shockwaves across Nakuru and within the PCEA fraternity, with faithful demanding swift justice for the slain man of God.
An autopsy conducted earlier this week revealed that Reverend Ngari died from severe multiple head injuries consistent with a violent assault.
“When we examined the body of the Reverend, his body was bound, and then he had injuries, especially to the head, front and back, and then some to the neck. Those were the injuries that were easily noticeable,” a pathologist involved in the examination disclosed on May 6.
The latest arrests now mark a major breakthrough in a case that has sparked national outrage, although detectives insist investigations remain ongoing as authorities pursue additional suspects believed to have participated in the deadly attack.
Also Read: Kenya on Edge as ‘Masked Men’ Allegedly Snatch Elders in Marsabit