Itumbi issues fierce speech after brutal murder of Meru blogger

Dennis Itumbi, the digital secretary to President William Ruto, has requested that the Directorate of Criminal Investigation move quickly to apprehend those responsible for the death of Meru blogger Daniel Muthiani.

It is reported that Muthiani was kidnapped on December 14 and found dead on Sunday, December 17.

Itumbi reacted to the development by pleading with the DCI to take action and apprehend the murderers.

"We have a great DCI Kenya boss. Please ndugu find the killers of this blogger and let them face the full force of the law," Itumbi called on DCI. 

Itumbi conceded that bloggers occasionally might hold dissenting views from those of certain members of society.

However, he asserted that a blogger cannot be harmed simply because of a difference of opinion.

"If anyone disagrees with a blogger please do not torture and kill anyone for having an opinion. Counter it with system ya facts - unacceptable!" Itumbi said.

In addition, Robert Alai the MCA for Kileleshwa led bloggers on Sunday in calling for justice to be done in the wake of Muthiani's tragic passing.

According to Alai, the gruesome kidnapping and murder of the blogger based in Meru has left bloggers stunned and incensed.

"Muthiani’s consistent criticism of the Meru County leadership raises serious concerns about the moves behind his tragic death." the bloggers said. 

"We urgently call upon the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, along with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to launch an immediate and thorough investigation into this heinous crime."

As members of the fifth estate, bloggers, the public, and the media all have constitutional rights that must be upheld, according to the bloggers.

They mentioned that certain leaders have intimidated bloggers in the past.

"Such an environment is not only hostile to free speech but also dangerous to those who dare to exercise this fundamental right," they said.

Public officeholders ought to be transparent since it is a fundamental component of any constitutional democracy, according to the bloggers.

"The killing of blogger Daniel Muthiani must not go unpunished, and it highlights a worrying trend of threats to media freedom in Kenya," they said. 

They noted the murder of bloggers Frank Obegi in 2022 and Augustus Mutuku Mwathe in 2021, along with the unresolved cases of Tonny Chumba's and Dennis Itumbi's kidnapping and torture. 

"The disappearance of Bogonko Bosire since 2013 further underscores the gravity of the situation," they said. 

They said they are not enemies of the state.

"We are its watchdogs. In a democracy, freedom of expression is not a privilege, it is the lifeblood of accountability. We hold a mirror to power, shine a light on injustices, and give voice to the voiceless," 

They said with devolution, bloggers became more critical in society. 

"Daniel Muthiani is not just a fallen blogger, he is a symbol of the struggle for a freer, more just Kenya. His death cannot be in vain. We demand justice, we demand protection, and we demand a Kenya where truth can be spoken without fear."