The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has linked the brutal killing of PCEA cleric Reverend Julius Ndumia Ngari in Nakuru to a notorious criminal gang, as fresh details emerge in the ongoing probe.
The agency said the murder, which occurred on the night of May 3 at PCEA Tabuga Church in Nakuru North Sub-County, is now firmly tied to a gang known for violent armed robberies.
Detectives say the group, first profiled in July 2022, operates while disguised in security forces attire and uses an L1A1 firearm. The weapon in question had earlier been recovered by police in 2024.
The development comes even as investigators widen the case beyond a single incident, pointing to a broader pattern of organised crime in Nakuru and its surrounding areas.
According to the DCI, the same gang has also been linked to a robbery on May 1, 2026, where Sh600,000 was siphoned from a victim’s bank account to mobile numbers associated with the suspects.
The agency revealed that advanced forensic and intelligence-led investigations are ongoing, including scientific analysis aimed at placing suspects at the crime scene as authorities build a case for prosecution.
The latest update adds to earlier breakthroughs in the case, where detectives arrested two suspects believed to be part of the network behind the attack.
The suspects were found in possession of items stolen from the slain cleric, pointing to a wider criminal syndicate under investigation.
Reverend Ngari was killed during a violent raid at the church, where attackers broke into both the church office and his residence, making away with cash, mobile phones and other valuables.
A church watchman was also seriously injured in the attack.
Postmortem results indicated that the cleric suffered severe head injuries and signs of suffocation, highlighting the brutality of the assault.
DCI says it is now investigating a series of similar violent attacks across Nakuru County, with strong suspicion that the same gang could be behind multiple incidents.
“The DCI reaffirms its commitment to a thorough, professional and impartial investigation to ensure all those involved in this heinous crime are brought to justice,” the agency said.
The public has been urged to remain calm, avoid speculation and continue cooperating with investigators.
Anyone with information has been asked to report to the nearest police station or share tips anonymously through the #FichuaKwaDCI hotline.
Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
