The family of Joseph Ng’ang’a Muhia, a carpenter who went missing after a fire broke out at the Modern Furniture Pacific workshop in Ruiru on December 18, 2024, has called on the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to reopen the case.
The family staged a protest outside the DCI headquarters this afternoon, expressing frustration over the lack of action from the Ruiru police, who they claim have been slow to follow up on the incident.
It is widely suspected that Muhia died in the fire, with rumours circulating that his body was hidden.
Fire at Modern Furniture Pacific on December 18, 2024.
However, the owner of the workshop, Gibson Murage, strongly denies these allegations. He insists that workers discovered the carcass of a dog, which is believed to have entered the building during the fire.
The DCI has promised to investigate the matter further. Some workers and nearby residents, who helped extinguish the flames, reported encountering a human body amidst the wreckage.
Murage, however, contends that the dog carcass was taken by the DCI’s Forensics Department, which allegedly examined it before disposing of it.
Despite these claims, the family remains unconvinced, insisting that Muhia, a father of two, was likely caught in the fire and perished in the blaze.
Meanwhile, influencers and business figures who support Murage have reportedly harassed the grieving family and journalists investigating the case.
There have also been accounts of individuals, claiming to be police officers, following those looking into the matter.
When asked whether the police are actively investigating the alleged death, Ruiru Sub-County Criminal Investigations Officer Jeremiah Dubai said they do not take action based on rumours.
Muhia’s family outside DCI headquarters in Nairobi.
