Two held over murder of PCEA cleric in Nakuru as Gachagua demands answers
Two suspects linked to the killing of a Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) cleric in Nakuru County will remain in police custody for 21 days as detectives intensify investigations into the deadly church raid that shocked residents and church leaders alike.
Beryl Nafula Otenyo and Felix Odinga Okumu were arraigned today, Monday May 11, 2026 over the murder of Reverend Julius Ndumia Ngari, who was attacked and killed during a violent robbery at Tabuga Parish in Nakuru on May 3.
Investigators told the court they required more time to complete forensic analysis, record witness statements and pursue additional suspects believed to have participated in the attack.
The court allowed the application, directing that the two remain in custody until June 3 when the matter will be mentioned.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the cleric was killed after armed attackers stormed the church compound, breaking into the church office and the reverend’s residence before stealing cash, mobile phones and other valuables.
The church watchman was seriously injured during the attack and remains under medical care.
Detectives said investigations indicate the murder was linked to robbery, with some suspects later captured on security cameras withdrawing money using the deceased’s mobile phone. Police said the suspects later shared the stolen cash among themselves.
Authorities revealed that some of the attackers were dressed in what appeared to be police or military jungle uniforms during the raid.
“The suspects were found in possession of valuables confirmed to be among the items stolen from the late Reverend. They are currently in custody undergoing interrogation,” the DCI said in a statement.
The agency added that detectives drawn from the Homicide Unit, Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CR&IB), Operations Support Unit (OSU) and Nakuru North conducted coordinated intelligence-led operations that led to the arrests.
Investigators said advanced forensic examinations are ongoing as police pursue at least three more suspects believed to be part of the criminal gang behind the attack.
The murder has sparked outrage among church leaders and politicians, with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua accusing the government of remaining silent over the killing.
Speaking during a memorial service for the slain cleric at PCEA Macedonia Baraka Parish in Ongata Rongai, Kajiado County, Gachagua criticised both security agencies and church leadership for what he termed as inadequate response to the murder.
“It is unacceptable that the government is silent on this matter. Not a single word from the CS Interior. Not a single statement from the Inspector General of Police,” Gachagua said.
He claimed Christians in Nakuru were being intimidated into silence and called on police to release CCTV footage linked to the murder to ensure transparency and prevent what he described as a possible cover-up.
“We want the police in Nakuru to release the CCTV footage so that the family, Christians and all of us can have an idea of who killed the man of God,” he said.
Other leaders, including Kajiado North MP Onesmus Ngogoyo and Senator Seki Ole Lenku, also demanded swift investigations and justice for the slain cleric.
DCI boss Mohamed Amin assured the public that detectives were pursuing strong leads and vowed that all those involved in the killing would be arrested and prosecuted.
