DCI links Pastor Ndumia killing to fake security gang

The slain minister of Tabuga Parish, Rev. Julius Ngari Ndumia/HANDOUT

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has linked the murder of Reverend Julius Ndumia to a notorious armed criminal gang known for carrying out violent robberies while disguised in security forces uniforms.

In an update issued on Tuesday, the DCI said sustained forensic and intelligence-led investigations had firmly connected the killing to a gang first profiled by detectives in July 2022.

According to the DCI, the group has previously been linked to violent robberies involving the use of an L1A1 firearm, which police recovered in 2024.

“The gang is known for carrying out violent armed robberies using an L1A1 firearm while disguised in security forces attire,” the DCI said in a statement.

Reverend Ndumia was killed on the night of May 3, 2026, at PCEA Tabuga Church in Nakuru North after attackers reportedly stormed the church compound.

Detectives now believe the same criminal gang may also be behind a robbery that occurred on May 1, 2026, in which Sh600,000 was allegedly transferred from a victim’s bank account to mobile phone numbers associated with the group.

The agency added that investigators were examining a broader pattern of violent attacks and robberies reported in Nakuru County and surrounding areas.

“Detectives are also investigating a pattern of violent attacks and robberies within Nakuru County and its environs. It is suspected that the same gang is behind several of these incidents,” the DCI said.

Investigators noted that advanced forensic examinations and scientific analysis aimed at placing suspects at the crime scene were still ongoing as detectives seek to build a stronger prosecution case.

“Advanced forensic examinations, including scientific analysis aimed at placing the suspects at the crime scene, are still ongoing to build a robust case for prosecution,” the statement added.

The latest update comes two days after the DCI announced the arrest of two suspects in connection with the murder.

In the earlier statement issued on May 9, detectives said the suspects had been arrested following extensive forensic and intelligence-driven investigations conducted by officers drawn from the Homicide Unit, Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau, Operations Support Unit and officers from Nakuru North.

According to investigators, the attackers forced their way into the church office and the cleric’s residence before stealing cash, mobile phones and other valuables.

During the attack, the cleric was killed while church watchman Benard Nyamwaka sustained serious injuries and was admitted to hospital.

The DCI said the two suspects were found in possession of items believed to have been stolen from the slain cleric.

“They are currently in custody, undergoing interrogation,” the agency said in the earlier update.

Investigators also disclosed that some of the evidence under forensic examination appeared to point to the existence of a larger criminal network linked to the attack.

A postmortem examination conducted on May 6 by Nakuru-based pathologist Titus Ngulungu established that Reverend Ndumia died from suffocation and severe head injuries sustained during the assault.

According to the pathologist, the cleric had multiple injuries on the head and neck, including a major fracture at the back of the skull, believed to have been caused by a blunt object.

“The cause of death was suffocation due to pressure applied to the neck, which made it impossible for him to breathe properly, alongside the head injuries that caused significant blood loss,” Ngulungu said after the examination.

The DCI said investigations remain active and urged members of the public to continue cooperating with detectives by sharing information that could assist in identifying and arresting all those involved in the killing.