On the night of May 3, 2026, a group of armed assailants stormed the PCEA Tabuga Church compound in Lanet, Nakuru North. The attackers forced their way into the church office and the Reverend’s residence, stealing cash, mobile phones, and other valuables. During the violent encounter, Reverend Ndumia was killed, and the church watchman, Benard Nyamwaka, was found bound and seriously injured.
2. Forensic Fingerprints
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) issued a breakthrough update on May 12, 2026, confirming that forensic evidence connects the murder to a specific criminal network.
The Weaponry: The gang is known for using a rare L1A1 rifle, a weapon previously recovered by police in 2024 but linked to several cold cases.
The Disguise: Detectives noted the gang’s signature move: dressing in police or military uniforms to lower the victims’ guard before launching brutal attacks.
3. The Digital Trail
The gang’s greed led to their undoing. Detectives have linked the group to a separate robbery on May 1, 2026, where Ksh 600,000 was transferred from a victim’s bank account to mobile numbers associated with the network. These digital breadcrumbs helped the Homicide Unit and Crime Research & Intelligence Bureau (CRIB) track down suspects who were found with the cleric’s stolen items.
Before the DCI’s latest update, the case sparked a political firestorm. DCP Leader Rigathi Gachagua publicly criticized the government’s perceived “lethargy” during a memorial service in Ongata Rongai.
“It is unacceptable that the government is silent. Not a single word from the CS Interior or the Inspector General of Police,” Gachagua stated, accusing the administration of ignoring the safety of the clergy.
The DCI’s rapid release of forensic details and the arraignment of suspects are seen by many as a direct response to mounting public pressure for justice.
📈 THE RIPPLE EFFECT
The Security Crisis in Nakuru:
The revelation that a gang profiled in 2022 is still active in 2026 has raised serious questions about police efficiency. Residents of Lanet and Bahati have expressed fear, noting that “fake security” patrols make it impossible for citizens to know who to trust at night.
Scientific Prosecution:
The DCI is currently using advanced DNA analysis and geofencing to place the suspects definitively at the PCEA Tabuga crime scene. This “science-first” approach is intended to build a watertight case that prevents the suspects from securing easy bail.
🚀 KEEP YOUR EYES ON…
The Watchman’s Recovery: Benard Nyamwaka has been discharged but his testimony will be the primary eyewitness account for the trial.
The L1A1 Ballistics: Police are running tests to see if this specific rifle was used in other unsolved murders across the Rift Valley.
