A family in Kangari town, Kigumo subcounty, Murang’a County, is mourning the tragic death of Julius Muli Nduku, a 30-year-old casual laborer, who was shot dead by police during the recent Saba Saba protests.
Julius was among demonstrators who took to the streets on Monday to protest against police brutality and rising insecurity in the town. The protests began on Sunday after the arrest of a suspected bodaboda thief at Kangari Police Station. Residents demanded the suspect be compelled to name his accomplices, lighting bonfires and blocking roads. Though Sunday’s demonstrations remained largely peaceful, tensions escalated on Monday as more protesters joined in solidarity with the nationwide Saba Saba movement.
According to his brother, Benjamin Kioko, Julius sustained gunshot wounds to the lower abdomen and upper arm and was rushed to Murang’a County Referral Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
“I have lost a brother, the only person I could talk to when I needed someone. We want justice for him,” said Kioko, adding that Julius leaves behind a young family now facing an uncertain future.
Eyewitnesses claim the protestors were unarmed and non-violent when police officers allegedly opened fire on the crowd. Peter Kamau, a matatu operator who accompanied Kioko to the hospital, emphasized that the demonstrators were peaceful, only lighting bonfires before chaos erupted.
“They were not a threat. The government must take responsibility. We want the officers involved to be held accountable, and the medical costs covered,” Kamau said.
The incident has sparked outrage among residents, with growing calls for accountability and justice. Local leaders and human rights organizations have also condemned the use of excessive force on unarmed civilians during protests.
As the nation reflects on the broader issues of police conduct and public safety, the family of Julius Muli Nduku is left grappling with a devastating loss. For them, justice is not only about holding someone accountable it is about ensuring that no other family suffers a similar fate.
