NAIROBI, Kenya— Detectives investigating the murder of Reverend Julius Ndumia Ngari have arrested and charged two suspects as authorities intensify efforts to uncover all those involved in the killing of the Nakuru-based cleric.
In an update issued on Thursday, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said significant progress had been made in the probe into the murder of the PCEA Tabuga Church minister, who was killed on the night of May 3, 2026, in Nakuru North Sub-County.
The breakthrough follows weeks of forensic analysis and intelligence-led investigations conducted by multiple specialised units within the DCI.
Two suspects charged over pastor’s murder
According to the DCI, the investigation brought together detectives from the Homicide Directorate, the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB), the Operations Support Unit (OSU), and Nakuru County investigative teams.
The operation led to the arrest of two suspects identified as Felix Odinga Okumu and Berryly Nafua Atenyo.
After detectives completed investigations involving the two suspects, the case file was forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for review and legal guidance.
Acting on the recommendations arising from the investigations, the two were subsequently arraigned before the Nakuru Law Courts, where they pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The matter is now scheduled for a pre-trial conference on June 17, 2026, ahead of the commencement of the trial.
DCI seeks help identifying person of interest
Even as the court process begins, detectives say the investigation is far from over.
The DCI has appealed to members of the public to help identify an individual captured in images obtained during the investigation.
According to detectives, one of the images is the original photograph recovered during the probe, while the second is a digitally enhanced version designed to improve the visibility of identifiable features.
Authorities described the individual as a person of interest who may possess critical information that could help investigators advance the case and identify additional accomplices.
The DCI urged anyone with information regarding the individual’s identity or whereabouts to share it with investigators through official reporting channels.
Investigations continue as detectives pursue more leads
The agency further revealed that detectives are actively pursuing fresh leads and profiling other individuals believed to be connected to the killing.
While declining to disclose additional details that could compromise ongoing investigations, the DCI maintained that efforts to bring all perpetrators to justice remain a top priority.
“The DCI remains unwavering in its commitment to ensuring that all individuals involved in this crime are identified, apprehended, and brought to justice,” the agency said.
The murder of Rev Julius Ndumia Ngari shocked worshippers and residents in Nakuru, with investigators now indicating that the case is steadily moving toward a broader prosecution effort. As the trial against the two accused persons begins to take shape, authorities are hoping public cooperation will help close remaining gaps in the investigation and ensure all those responsible are held accountable.
