Two suspects accused of killing of a PCEA cleric in Nakuru County will remain in police custody for 21 days as investigators pursue more accomplices and the circumstances surrounding the fatal church attack continue.
Beryl Nafula Otenyo and Felix Odinga Okumu, who are linked to the murder of Reverend Julius Ndumia, were presented before court on Monday May 11 where detectives sought additional time to complete inquiries, citing ongoing forensic work and witness statements tied to the incident.
The court granted the detention application, allowing officers to hold the two as the probe continues into the May 3 church raid in which the cleric was killed, with investigators also reviewing recovered items believed to be connected to the attack.
The matter is scheduled for mention on June 3, 2026 as police consolidate evidence ahead of possible further charges.
Detectives at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations said the arrests followed extensive forensic and intelligence-led investigations into the May 3, 2026 incident.
According to investigators, Reverend Ngari was killed during a violent attack at the church compound, while the church watchman sustained serious injuries and was admitted to hospital.
Detectives said the attackers broke into the church office and the reverend’s residence, making away with cash, mobile phones and other valuables.
Police believe the murder happened out of a robbery. Some of the suspects were later captured on security cameras while withdrawing cash from the deceased’s mobile phone.
They later shared the money among themselves.
At least three other suspects are being sought over the murder, police said.
Police said some of them wore what looked like police or military jungle uniforms.
The murder shocked many locals who demanded action and justice. This prompted the deployment of special squads to pursue the killers.
DCI Mohamed Amin said they are pursuing good leads into the murder and robbery.
The DCI noted that officers drawn from the Homicide Unit, Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CR&IB), Operations Support Unit (OSU), and Nakuru North conducted coordinated investigations that led to the arrest of the two suspects.
Authorities revealed that the suspects were found in possession of items positively identified as part of the property stolen from the late cleric.
The suspects are currently in police custody undergoing interrogation as detectives pursue further leads.
Investigators added that advanced forensic analysis is ongoing, with detectives reviewing evidence believed to be linked to a wider criminal network behind the attack.
The DCI condemned the killing, describing it as a senseless and violent act, and assured the public that efforts are underway to apprehend all those involved and bring them to justice.
Since then, police have staged operations in the area and arrested dozens of suspects. Nakuru has also been experiencing a surge in crime amid calls for action to tame the same.
Police said they are determined to address the menace and urged for continued support from all stakeholders.
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