An autopsy has confirmed that 26-year-old Dennis Muthui, who died during protests in Nairobi’s Majengo slums, succumbed to a gunshot wound, contrary to earlier police reports that claimed he had been stabbed.
Autopsy Findings Expose the Truth
Government pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor revealed that Muthui was shot in the stomach at close range with a small-caliber weapon, likely a pistol. The examination recovered gun pellets and plastic fragments from Muthui’s abdomen, which were handed over to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) as part of their investigation.
This finding contradicts the initial statement by the National Police Service (NPS), which alleged that Muthui had been fatally stabbed by criminals during the protests.
Family Demands Justice
Muthui’s family has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the police officer responsible for his death. “We want the officer who killed our son to face justice,” a family spokesperson stated.
The protests erupted in Majengo after the killing of 17-year-old Ibrahim Ramadhan by a police officer. The riots quickly escalated into chaos, with police and residents clashing violently.
Conflicting Police Narrative
In their official report, the NPS confirmed the interdiction of the officer responsible for Ramadhan’s death but maintained that Muthui had been stabbed during the chaos. The autopsy findings have now cast doubt on this narrative, increasing public scrutiny on police accountability.
IPOA has taken over the case and vowed to conduct a thorough investigation into both incidents.
A Community’s Fight for Accountability
Muthui’s tragic death has reignited calls for justice and reforms within Kenya’s law enforcement. Families of both Muthui and Ramadhan are now seeking answers and accountability from the authorities.
As protests and tensions continue in Majengo, residents are demanding systemic changes to address police brutality and ensure justice for victims.
