Slain PCEA cleric Julius Ndumia./FILETwo suspects linked to the brutal killing of a Presbyterian Church cleric in Nakuru have been detained for 21 days as detectives intensify investigations into what police believe was a violent robbery mission that ended in murder.
The two were presented in court on Monday, May 11, where investigators sought more time to complete forensic analysis, record witness statements and pursue other suspects believed to have taken part in the deadly church attack.
The court allowed the application, paving the way for detectives to continue probing the May 3 raid in which Reverend Julius Ndumia was killed at the church compound.
Investigators say the attackers stormed the church office and the cleric’s residence before escaping with cash, mobile phones and other valuables. During the ordeal, the gang allegedly tortured the reverend to obtain his mobile money PIN before withdrawing cash from his phone.
Police are now reviewing dozens of CCTV clips that reportedly captured the suspects fleeing the scene and later withdrawing money from an M-Pesa shop using the slain cleric’s account.
According to detectives at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, the arrests followed extensive forensic and intelligence-led operations involving multiple specialised units.
The church watchman, who was also attacked during the raid, sustained serious injuries and was admitted to hospital.
Police believe the killing was motivated by robbery, with investigators alleging that the suspects later shared the stolen money among themselves.
At least four more suspects are still being pursued in connection with the murder, police said.
Detectives added that some members of the gang were dressed in what appeared to be police or military jungle uniforms during the attack, raising fresh concerns over criminal gangs using security attire to execute crimes.
DCI boss Mohamed Amin said officers from the Homicide Unit, Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau, Operations Support Unit and Nakuru North coordinated investigations that led to the arrest of the two suspects.
Authorities said some items recovered from the suspects were positively identified as property stolen from the late cleric.
The suspects remain in custody as detectives continue interrogations and forensic analysis linked to what investigators now suspect could be a wider criminal network.
The killing sparked outrage among residents, prompting demands for swift justice and the deployment of special police squads to track down those behind the attack.
Police have since mounted operations across parts of Nakuru and arrested dozens of suspects as concerns grow over rising crime in the county.
The case will be mentioned on June 3, 2026.
