An autopsy conducted on the body of 26-year-old Dennis Muthui has confirmed that he succumbed to a gunshot wound, contradicting an earlier police report that claimed he had been stabbed. The postmortem, carried out by government pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor, determined that Muthui was shot at close range in the stomach with a small-caliber weapon, likely a pistol.
The revelation adds to the growing concerns over police brutality in the wake of violent protests that erupted in Nairobi’s Majengo slums. Dr. Oduor further disclosed that he 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 ongoing investigations.
Muthui was shot on Wednesday during the protests triggered by the killing of 17-year-old Ibrahim Ramadhan, who was allegedly gunned down by the police. The incident sparked outrage among residents, leading to violent clashes between the police and demonstrators. Eyewitnesses report that Muthui was targeted by a yet-to-be-identified police officer during the melee.
Despite the mounting evidence, the National Police Service (NPS) initially reported that Muthui had been stabbed by criminals, a claim now debunked by the autopsy findings. This has further fueled public anger and calls for accountability within the police force.
In response to the unrest, the NPS announced that the officer responsible for Ramadhan’s killing had been interdicted. However, Muthui’s family insists that justice must be served for their kin. They are now demanding the immediate arrest and prosecution of the police officer responsible for his death, vowing to pursue justice relentlessly.
Civil rights activists and community leaders have also condemned the killings, urging authorities to take swift action against rogue officers. IPOA, tasked with investigating the conduct of police officers, has assured the public that a thorough probe will be conducted to bring those responsible to justice.
As tensions remain high in Majengo, the tragic deaths of Muthui and Ramadhan serve as a grim reminder of the persistent issue of police brutality. The affected families and the community at large continue to seek answers and accountability from law enforcement agencies.
