Chilling New Details Emerge In Murder Of Nakuru PCEA Cleric Ndumia

By Staff Writer

Investigators probing the killing of Reverend Julius Ndumia Ngari at PCEA Tabuga Church have connected the murder to a criminal gang first profiled in 2022, with detectives now pursuing forensic examinations aimed at placing suspects directly at the crime scene.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations said sustained intelligence-led operations and forensic analysis had linked the killing of the PCEA cleric to a notorious gang known for carrying out violent robberies while disguising itself in security forces attire across Nakuru County and neighbouring areas.

Reverend Ndumia was attacked and killed on the night of May 3, 2026, at PCEA Tabuga Church in Nakuru North Sub-County after assailants reportedly stormed the church compound before breaking into the clergy residence. Church watchman Benard Nyamwaka was seriously injured during the attack and later admitted to hospital.

In its latest update, the DCI said the suspects behind the murder are believed to be part of a wider criminal network that has been under investigation for years.

“Through sustained forensic and intelligence-driven investigations, detectives have firmly linked the incident to a notorious criminal gang first profiled in July 2022,” the DCI said.

According to investigators, the gang has previously been associated with violent armed robberies involving the use of an L1A1 firearm while members disguised themselves as security officers. Detectives noted that the firearm linked to the gang had already been recovered by police in 2024.

The agency also linked the same gang to a violent robbery reported on May 1, 2026, in which Sh600,000 was allegedly transferred from a victim’s bank account to mobile phone numbers associated with the suspects. Detectives believe the robbery may form part of a broader pattern of organised criminal activity in Nakuru and surrounding areas.

Investigators say they are now examining several violent robberies and attacks reported within Nakuru County to determine whether the same network was involved.

The latest developments come days after detectives arrested two suspects linked to the murder following operations conducted by officers from the Homicide Unit, Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau, Operations Support Unit and Nakuru North detectives. Authorities said the suspects were found with items believed to have been stolen from the slain cleric during the attack.

Court proceedings in Nakuru have already seen one suspect, Felix Odinga Okumu, detained for 21 days to allow police to complete investigations into the killing.

A postmortem examination conducted on May 6 by Nakuru-based pathologist Titus Ngulungu established that Reverend Ndumia died from suffocation and severe head injuries sustained during the assault. The examination revealed multiple injuries to the head and neck, including a major fracture at the back of the skull believed to have been caused by a blunt object.

Detectives said advanced scientific examinations were still underway as investigators work to strengthen the prosecution case and directly place suspects at the murder scene.

“Advanced forensic examinations, including scientific analysis aimed at placing the suspects at the crime scene, are still ongoing to build a robust case for prosecution,” the DCI said.

The killing sparked outrage among residents and religious leaders in Nakuru, with local leaders calling for faster action against criminal gangs operating in the region. Former Bahati MP Kimani Ngunjiri, who described the slain cleric as a close friend, said the attack had heightened fears over rising insecurity in the area.

The DCI has urged members of the public to continue cooperating with investigators by sharing any information that may aid the investigation through the nearest police station or anonymously.