A family in Nakuru is demanding justice following the fatal shooting of their kin, Daniel Nderitu, who was allegedly shot twice by police officers in the London area of Nakuru West. The incident occurred during a confrontation between police and residents, sparking public outrage and protests.
According to eyewitnesses, the incident began when police officers arrived in the area to apprehend a young man allegedly in possession of marijuana. The situation quickly escalated when the young man resisted arrest. Residents say the officers responded with gunfire, and in the ensuing chaos, Nderitu was shot once in the back and again in the chest.
Nderitu, aged 47, was a miner and the primary breadwinner for his family. His sudden death has left his family in deep mourning, especially considering the recent tragedies they have endured. In 2023, Nderitu lost his wife, and just last year, one of his children also passed away. He now leaves behind four young children and grieving relatives who are calling for justice.
Family members describe Nderitu as a peaceful and hardworking man with no history of conflict. His sister, devastated by the incident, said he had not committed any offense and called for an end to such violence by the authorities. His brother echoed the sentiments, stressing the need for justice to be served.
Residents in the London area have been left shaken by the incident, with many questioning the police’s use of force. For two days following the shooting, protests erupted in the neighborhood, leading to clashes between demonstrators and police. Security officers were deployed heavily in the area to quell the unrest, and businesses were disrupted, with some even suffering vandalism.
Locals expressed fear and anxiety in the wake of the shooting. Some boda boda riders halted operations, while many residents opted to stay indoors, fearing for their safety. One resident described the situation as tense and heartbreaking, noting that the claim of a stray bullet could not justify the loss of a life.
So far, four witnesses have recorded statements with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), which has launched an investigation into the incident. An autopsy is scheduled to be conducted on Thursday to determine the exact cause of death.
As preparations for Nderitu’s burial continue, his family and the community remain steadfast in their demand for accountability. They are urging the relevant authorities to take decisive action against those responsible and ensure such incidents are not repeated. The community’s message is clear: justice must be served, and the value of human life must be upheld.
