In a startling turn of events, Leonard Thuo Mwithiga, a 52-year-old man hailing from Kenya, has been arrested in Putnam, CT, for allegedly orchestrating a murder-for-hire plot, as reported by Rob Polansky and Luke Hajdasz on Dec. 5, 2023, at 3:01 PM GMT+3. According to detectives, Mwithiga’s motive behind the sinister plan was to prevent a victim from testifying against him in an ongoing court proceeding.

The arrest unfolded after an informant, reportedly Mwithiga’s employee, walked into the police lobby to report that his employer had sought assistance in finding a “hitman” to eliminate someone. Detectives soon discovered that the targeted victim was involved in a court case with Mwithiga, and the execution of the murder-for-hire plot aimed to render the victim incapable of testifying.

Leonard Thuo Mwithiga, a man with an impressive academic background holding a PhD, had previously served as a director at a leading bank in Kenya, adding a layer of complexity to the shocking allegations against him.

Undercover troopers played a pivotal role in the operation, with one posing as the hired hitman. Police revealed that Mwithiga intended to pay $4,400 to have his wife killed, scheduling the crime for early next year when he would be in Kenya. The plan involved administering a lethal substance, initially suggested as an injection in the wife’s food or water. The informant, realizing the gravity of the situation, promptly tipped off the police.

Mwithiga, who was reportedly staying at a Motel 6 in Putnam intermittently, provided $400 upfront to the undercover hitman, with an agreement to pay an additional $4,000 upon completion of the gruesome act. The intention was to orchestrate a slow and deliberate death for his wife, culminating in an overdose of pure fentanyl. Video and audio surveillance captured all aspects of this chilling plan.

The arrest took place during an undercover sting operation at the hotel, where Mwithiga was taken into custody without incident. Charges filed against him include criminal attempt at intimidation of a witness, conspiracy to commit murder, and criminal attempt at murder with special circumstances. The judge set Mwithiga’s bond at $5 million during the court appearance on Tuesday, emphasizing no contact with his wife, children, or the informant who alerted the police.

As the legal proceedings unfold, this shocking case serves as a stark reminder that even within seemingly quiet communities, the unexpected can transpire, revealing hidden facets of individuals’ lives. The diligence of law enforcement and the informant’s courage played a crucial role in thwarting a potentially tragic outcome for Mwithiga’s intended victim.