by Cyrus Ombati and Mutinda Mwanzia

Detectives investigating the murder of outlawed Mungiki sect spokesman David Gitau Njuguna say he could have been killed by gunmen who knew him.

The detectives said they had established a lodging where Njuguna and the three suspected assailants had been before an argument broke out.

"We are informed they were in a lodging room upstairs arguing over unknown amount of money before they came down," a senior investigator, who did not want to be identified, said.

Police officers examine the body of Mungiki spokesman Njuguna Gitau in Nairobi on Thursday. Photo: Stafford Ondego/Standard

"We understand since their chairman was jailed, Njuguna took over the running of Mungiki and it is widely believed this could have been the cause of his death."

Njuguna was shot twice at close range along Nairobi’s Luthuli Avenue on Thursday evening by gunmen who escaped without taking anything from him.

Apart from acting as the spokesman of the political wing of Mungiki, Njuguna was traditional and gospel musician.

Njuguna accompanied Mungiki sect leader Maina Njenga when he was released from prison two weeks ago. Njenga has since denounced the sect and urged youths to follow him to church. He also claims his life is in danger.

Meanwhile, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights has called for proper investigations into Njuguna’s killing.

KNCHR Vice-Chairman Hassan Omar Hassan termed the killing baffling, adding it came barely two weeks after Njuguna visited the commission’s offices and claimed his life was in danger.

Hassan said the commission will document circumstances that led to the death of Njuguna and ensure justice is done. Njuguna’s killing came nearly a year after a human rights activist and lawyer Kamau King’ara was gunned down.

Addressing a news conference at KNCHR offices, Hassan, flanked by commissioners Anne Ngugi and Mohammed Halo, said he was concerned over rising insecurity in the country.

Hassan said Njuguna had claimed he was being trailed by individuals who resembled members of a dreaded police outfit.

"He was afraid that someone was out to eliminate him. It is sad he has lost his life in such a mysterious manner," he said.