Grief and outrage have gripped the family of Julia Wangai, a 24-year-old woman who died under unclear circumstances while in remand at Nanyuki GK Women’s Prison on July 11, just days after being arrested. Her grandmother, Susan Kirigo, is demanding answers and justice, questioning the conditions that led to her granddaughter’s untimely death.
“Justice for Julie, kill all of us,” Kirigo shouted on Monday, holding a photo of Wangai and a twig in protest. Overcome by emotion, she condemned those responsible, stating, “Whoever killed my granddaughter… may they die like Julie, or more than Julie. The curse from heaven will come down and you will die.”
Wangai had been arrested during the Saba Saba protests and later arraigned in court on July 8 for charges related to malicious damage to property. Following her court appearance, she was remanded to the Nanyuki Women’s Prison. According to the National Police Service (NPS), she fell ill while in custody and was admitted to Nanyuki Cottage Hospital, where she later passed away.
However, conflicting accounts circulating on social media suggest Wangai may have suffered physical abuse before her death, with some alleging she died from injuries inflicted using a ‘rungu’ (wooden stick). These reports have sparked public concern and fueled calls for an independent investigation.
NPS spokesperson Michael Muchiri has denied the allegations that Wangai died in a police cell or from assault, insisting she was in prison custody when she fell ill. “There are misleading reports… We wish to clarify that this is false,” he stated, adding that a full report on the cause of death would be provided after investigations.
Wangai’s death follows another recent and troubling case: that of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody in Nairobi’s Central Police Station. The back-to-back deaths of young individuals in state custody have intensified public scrutiny on law enforcement and correctional institutions in Kenya.
As the family mourns, Kenyans are watching closely, demanding accountability, transparency, and justice for Julia Wangai.
