The Fatal Night at TabugaOn the night of May 3, 2026, a highly organized hit squad breached the PCEA Tabuga Church compound. Using a chilling tactic, the gang—dressed in police/military uniforms—tricked their way into the residence.
They tortured the watchman, Benard Nyamwaka, and forced him to lead them to Reverend Ndumia. While the robbery netted cash and phones, the brutality suggested a more sinister intent: the Reverend was found bound, suffocated, and suffering from a massive skull fracture.
2. The L1A1 Rifle ConnectionIn a statement released today, May 12, the DCI revealed that forensic ballistics and intelligence have tied this attack to a gang that has eluded capture for nearly four years. The Signature Gun: The L1A1 rifle linked to the gang was previously recovered by police in 2024, yet the network remained active through underground weapon-sharing.
The Disguise: By using official uniforms, the gang neutralizes victim resistance, a hallmark of their operations in Nakuru North and Bahati. 3. The Money TrailThe Homicide Unit and CRIB (Crime Research & Intelligence Bureau) tracked a Ksh 600,000 transfer from a previous robbery on May 1, 2026. This digital path led straight to Beryl Nafula Otenyo and Felix Odinga Okumu, who were arrested in possession of the late Reverend’s mobile phones and cash. Both suspects were arraigned in Nakuru on Monday, May 11.
The DCI’s swift update follows a blistering critique from Rigathi Gachagua. Speaking at a memorial for the cleric in Ongata Rongai, the DCP leader slammed the Ministry of Interior for its “stunning silence.”
“It is unacceptable that the government is silent. Not a single word from CS Kithure Kindiki or the Inspector General,” Gachagua remarked, suggesting that the motive might involve internal church leadership wrangles—a theory the DCI is now investigating alongside the gang link.
📈 THE RIPPLE EFFECT
The Trust Deficit:
The news that a gang profiled in 2022 is still operating with high-grade weaponry has sparked outrage in Nakuru. Residents are questioning how criminals can maintain a stockpile of security uniforms without internal police collusion.
A “Science-Driven” Trial:
The DCI is betting on advanced DNA analysis and geofencing to secure a conviction. By placing the suspects at the crime scene through their own digital footprint, the prosecution hopes to bypass the “silence” of witnesses who fear retaliation from the gang’s wider network.
