Samuel Mutisya, who was shot in the streets of Mlolongo, has been confirmed to have died from a gunshot wound to the head. Initial records at the City Mortuary erroneously listed him as a victim of mob justice.
The Incident
The protests on July 16, 2024, turned deadly when Mutisya, who was returning from work in Syokimau, was shot. Solomon Musyoki, a close friend of the deceased, recounted, “Alikuwa anatoka kazi kazini pale Syokimau…alipigwa pale Mlolongo akitembea.”
Contrary to initial reports, Mutisya was not a victim of mob justice but was shot by police. The City Mortuary had initially recorded his cause of death incorrectly, listing it as due to mob justice. Musyoki vehemently refuted this claim, stating, “Hatutaki kuambiwa alipigwa na mob justice, Sammy alipigwa na risasi na nimedhibitisha.”
Eyewitness Accounts and Medical Evidence
Witnesses reported that Mutisya was shot in the middle of Mlolongo Street, between the Cooperative Bank and Family Bank. He sustained severe injuries, with one witness describing, “Alipigwa kwa tumbo mpaka mara ikatoka inje…” Mutisya was quickly transported to Achudan Clinic, where clinician Franklin Muraguri confirmed that he died from profuse bleeding between 6 and 8 pm.
CCTV footage from the day of the protest captured the incident, showing Oyugi transporting an injured Mwaura away from the shooting zone around 4 pm. Mwaura, another protester, was also injured in the melee. He recounted his experience, “Nilitolewa kwa pikipiki nikaenda hapo stage…mama ndiye alinileta hospitali.”
A Family in Despair
Mwaura’s mother, Pauline Mukulu, remains at Shalom Hospital, distressed over her son’s condition. She pleaded for assistance, stating, “Sina chochote kwa mfuko yangu.” Mwaura echoed her plea, “Nataka kuomba Wakenya niko pabaya sana, nahitaji damu na kusaidiwa kulipa bill.”
Call for Accountability
Human rights organizations have seized upon this tragedy, calling for a thorough evaluation of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to ensure that officers involved in such crimes are prosecuted. Activist Hussein Khalid from Vocal Africa announced that Samuel Mutisya’s autopsy is scheduled for Monday, signaling the beginning of a quest for justice.
The death of Samuel Mutisya has sparked a renewed call for accountability and transparency in law enforcement, highlighting the urgent need for reforms to prevent such tragedies in the future. As the community mourns the loss of a friend and a worker, the demand for justice and proper handling of such cases grows louder.
