The tragic death of Julie Njoki has shocked many and once again brought attention to the serious problem of police brutality in Kenya.
Julie, a young woman full of life, joined fellow Kenyans in peaceful protests on Saba Saba Day in Nanyuki, hoping to stand up for her rights. What happened to her afterwards has left a family shattered and a country demanding answers.
Eyewitnesses said she was peacefully demonstrating before police moved in and arrested her along with others.
She was taken to Nanyuki Police Station, but never returned home. Instead, she was delivered to a hospital a day later in a coma, and she died shortly after.
Her body was covered in bruises, her face swollen, her limbs cold. Her family believes she was beaten while in police custody, and they say the officers never even bothered to inform them until it was too late.
Julie’s aunt, through tears, described her niece as brave and hopeful. She said Julie had joined the protest to fight for a better future, not knowing it would be her last day alive.
She also described the pain of seeing her niece’s lifeless body, full of signs of violence. Her father also spoke during a family prayer meeting, saying that no parent should have to bury their child in such a cruel and unjust way.
He demanded justice and called on authorities to stop covering up the actions of rogue officers.Human rights groups have strongly condemned what happened.
The Kenya Human Rights Commission said Julie’s death shows how far the government has failed to protect its people.
Amnesty International Kenya also called for any police officers involved to be suspended immediately while investigations continue. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority confirmed they had received a complaint and have sent a team to Nanyuki to collect evidence.
They promised to carry out a fair investigation and asked witnesses to come forward.But for many, these promises mean little without real action.
The fear is that Julie’s case will be added to a long list of deaths with no justice. Kenyans have seen this story before innocent people killed, officers denying everything, and then silence.
This is why the public must keep demanding justice, not just for Julie but for every victim of police abuse. The brutality must stop, and the police must answer for every life they destroy.
Julie Njoki did not deserve to die for exercising her right to protest. Her name must not be forgotten, and her killers must face justice.
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