Fresh details have emerged in the brutal murder of PCEA cleric Reverend Julius Ndumia Ngari after the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed the arrest of two suspects linked to the shocking incident that stunned Nakuru residents and the wider religious community.
In a press statement released on Friday, May 9, the DCI said the suspects were arrested following “extensive forensic and intelligence-led investigations” conducted by officers drawn from the Homicide Unit, Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB), Operations Support Unit (OSU), and Nakuru North detectives.
According to investigators, the suspects were found in possession of valuables believed to have been stolen from the slain cleric during the deadly attack at PCEA Tabuga Church in Nakuru North Sub-County on the night of May 3, 2026.
The suspects are currently in police custody undergoing interrogation as detectives pursue more leads in what authorities now suspect could be a wider criminal network behind the murder.
Reverend Ndumia was killed in a horrifying attack inside the church compound where he lived and served.
During the incident, church watchman Bernard Nyamwaka was also seriously assaulted and left hospitalized after reportedly being overpowered by the attackers.
The gang is said to have broken into the church offices and the cleric’s residence before making away with cash, mobile phones, and other valuables.
The killing sparked outrage among congregants, residents, and church leaders, many describing the pastor as peaceful, humble, and deeply committed to his ministry.
Earlier reports indicated that the attackers struck at around 2am.
Investigators believe the assailants may have used the injured watchman to gain access to the reverend’s house before launching the deadly attack.
A postmortem examination conducted days later painted an even more disturbing picture of the pastor’s final moments.
Nakuru-based pathologist Titus Ngulungu revealed that Reverend Ndumia suffered severe head injuries, excessive bleeding, and signs of strangulation.
The autopsy established that the cleric died from asphyxiation and trauma caused by blunt force injuries to the head and neck.
Reports further indicated that the pastor’s hands and legs had been tied, suggesting he may have been tortured before being killed.
The murder sent shockwaves across the PCEA fraternity, with church leaders and politicians demanding swift investigations and justice for the slain cleric.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua publicly called on police to provide answers and assure church leaders of their safety following the gruesome killing.
PCEA Secretary General Reverend Robert Waihenya had earlier condemned the attack, describing it as a painful loss to the church and the country at large.
Congregants at Tabuga Parish also held emotional prayer sessions as detectives combed through CCTV footage and forensic evidence collected from the crime scene.
In its latest update, the DCI said detectives are still conducting advanced forensic analysis and reviewing critical evidence believed to connect the murder to a larger criminal operation.
The investigative agency also thanked members of the public and the PCEA fraternity for cooperating with authorities during the ongoing probe.
The DCI urged anyone with information related to the case to report to the nearest police station or anonymously contact authorities through their official communications channels.
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