Witness turns suspect in murder involving retired cleric

A man who claimed he saw a retired Anglican Church of Kenya evangelist killing his son has been arrested and was arraigned in Murang’a.

Police on Monday evening sought 14 days to hold Dennis Kamau, a grandson of retired cleric Lewis Kamau, who is accused of killing his son Francis Karaya for stealing farm produce.

Murang’a Chief Magistrate Margaret Wachira granted police the request.

WITNESS ACCOUNT

Dennis, 28, said he had visited his grandfather’s home to assist him with household chores as his grandmother was sickly.

He told police that his grandfather called one of his sons, who lived several kilometres away from his home in Gathukiini village, and asked him to report early on February 23 to help him with an unspecified assignment.

He said the two committed the crime that Sunday morning.

“My uncle and grandfather went to Karaya's house, forcefully removed him, and tied him with ropes to a tree. They beat him to death with logs," he said.

"I was threatened and warned not to set foot near the scene. They said I, too, would face the music. I called my parents [and asked them] to come home immediately as my grandfather and my uncle escaped after realising the victim was dead."

He said his grandmother remained in the house despite the commotion.

WITNESS IMPLICATED

However, police suspect Dennis helped the suspects.

An investigating officer, who did not want to be named, told the Nation that a villager implicated Dennis in the murder.

“We arrested the man because he was dragged into activities that led to the death," the officer said, referring to another statement on the incident.

Dennis' grandfather reportedly asked him to hand them the rope and help them tie up Karaya.

Locals described the victim as a peace-loving and hardworking farmer.