The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has appealed to members of the public to help identify a man believed to have crucial information in the ongoing investigation into the murder of Reverend Julius Ndumia Ngari in Nakuru County.
Detectives say the individual, whose images were obtained during investigations, is considered a person of interest and could provide information that may help uncover more details about the killing and identify additional suspects linked to the crime.
The appeal comes as investigators report significant progress in the case following weeks of forensic and intelligence-led investigations. According to the DCI, two suspects, Felix Odinga Okumu and Berryly Nafua Atenyo, have already been arrested and charged in connection with the murder.
The killing took place on the night of May 3, 2026, in Nakuru North Sub-County. Investigators say Reverend Ngari was attacked at the church compound during what is believed to have been a robbery.
During the incident, the church watchman sustained serious injuries and was rushed to hospital for treatment.
Detectives revealed that the attackers broke into both the church office and the reverend’s residence, where they stole cash, mobile phones and other valuables before fleeing the scene. Police believe the suspects later used the deceased’s mobile phone and were captured on security cameras withdrawing money linked to the robbery. Investigators also say the stolen funds were later shared among members of the group.
The breakthrough in the case followed investigations carried out by detectives from the Homicide Directorate, the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB), the Operations Support Unit (OSU), and investigative teams from Nakuru County.
After completing investigations involving the two suspects already in custody, detectives forwarded the case file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for review and legal advice.
Based on recommendations from the ODPP, the two suspects were arraigned before the Nakuru Law Courts, where they pleaded not guilty to the charges. The court scheduled a pre-trial conference for June 17, 2026, ahead of the start of the trial.
According to the DCI, investigations have linked the murder to a notorious armed criminal gang that was first profiled in July 2022.
The group is alleged to have carried out violent robberies while disguising themselves in security forces uniforms, including military jungle attire. Detectives say the gang used an LIAi firearm that had previously been recovered by police in 2024.
The same gang has also been connected to a violent robbery reported on May 1, 2026, in which KSh600,000 was allegedly transferred from a victim’s bank account to mobile numbers associated with the suspects. Investigators are now examining whether the group may be responsible for several other violent robberies and attacks reported across Nakuru County and neighbouring areas.
The DCI has urged anyone with information that could help identify the man being sought or provide additional leads in the investigation to report to the nearest police station or share information anonymously through the #FichuaKwaDCI platform, the toll-free number 0800 722 203, or WhatsApp number 0709 570 000.
