A grieving family in Nanyuki is crying out for justice after Julie Njoki, a young woman arrested during the Saba Saba demonstrations, tragically lost her life just days after being taken into police custody.
According to family members, Njoki was arrested on Monday, July 7, 2025, and detained at the Nanyuki Police Station, only to be reported dead two days later under disturbing and suspicious circumstances.
ARRESTED DURING PROTESTS, DIED IN CUSTODY
Julie’s aunt, in an emotional statement shared with the media, claims that police officers brutally assaulted her niece, leaving her unconscious inside the cell.
“Julie was arrested in Nanyuki—a place I once believed to be peaceful. She was arraigned in court the following day, and that night, she was viciously beaten while in custody. Those entrusted with her safety became her attackers,” she said.
MEDICAL REPORT CONFIRMS PHYSICAL ABUSE
The family later received a medical report indicating blunt force trauma to the head, suggesting Julie had been physically assaulted. They claim that police delayed medical attention and made attempts to downplay or cover up the extent of her injuries.
“Her condition was critical, yet it was met with delay, negligence, and silence. By the time help arrived, it was too late. Julie died. She didn’t deserve this. No one does,” the aunt added.
PUBLIC OUTRAGE MOUNTS OVER POLICE BRUTALITY
Julie’s untimely death has sparked widespread condemnation on social media, reigniting national outrage over growing cases of police brutality in Kenya—particularly targeting youth involved in peaceful demonstrations.
The situation mirrors the recent case of Albert Ojwang, a popular blogger and teacher, who also died under mysterious circumstances while in custody at Nairobi Central Police Station.
“How do you jail a Gen Z on Monday and report them dead by Wednesday? How can we trust a system that kills the very people it’s meant to protect?” Julie’s aunt questioned in anguish.
POLICE SILENCE DEEPENS THE CRISIS
So far, authorities have remained silent, with no official comment from the National Police Service regarding the incident or the disturbing allegations of abuse. Civil society groups and concerned leaders are now demanding an independent investigation into Julie’s death and the broader issue of extrajudicial killings by security forces.
