A family in Nanyuki is demanding for justice after their loved one, Julie Njoki, died in a police custody just days after being arrested during the Saba Saba protests.
Njoki was taken into custody on Monday, July 7, during the anti-government demonstrations and later presented in court the following day. But the family claimed she never made it out of police custody alive.
In a statement shared online, Njoki’s aunt claimed that she was severely beaten by officers while being held at the Nanyuki Police Station.
“Julie Njoki was arrested in a town I once thought was peaceful, that night she was brutally assaulted by the very people who were supposed to protect her.” the aunt wrote.
The family said Njoki was eventually taken to hospital, but only after critical delays. A medical report, they claim, confirmed she had suffered blunt force trauma to the head, consistent with assault.
“She was left unconscious, and by the time help came, it was too late, we lost her. She didn’t deserve to die like this.” the aunt wrote.
Julie’s case has amplified public frustration over the handling of peaceful protests and growing concerns about police accountability. Online, Kenyans are calling for answers and action.
“How do you jail someone on Monday and report them dead by Wednesday?” Njoki’s aunt asked. “We are broken. We are angry. And we want justice.”
As of now, police have not issued any official statement regarding the incident.
