Tension is running high in Gatundu South after a 30-year-old man, identified as Paul Njuguna, allegedly died in police custody under controversial circumstances. Njuguna was arrested at Kiganjo Centre for alleged possession of bhang but was later pronounced dead, sparking widespread anger and protests among residents.
According to eyewitnesses, Njuguna was reportedly assaulted by police officers who arrested him. Witnesses claimed he was beaten and strangled before being taken to Kiganjo Police Station, where he later died. The incident has provoked outrage, with residents accusing officers of brutality, corruption, and abuse of power — vices they say have become rampant in the area.
Residents who witnessed the arrest said the officers used unnecessary force on the suspect. One witness described how Njuguna appeared lifeless while being escorted to the station, sparking concerns that he had already sustained fatal injuries. Others lamented that police violence in the area has become normalized, with little or no accountability.
The situation escalated when angry residents stormed the police station demanding justice. Chaos ensued as protesters attempted to set the station on fire before being dispersed by anti-riot police. The protests have since left the area on edge, with locals calling for the transfer and investigation of officers involved in the arrest.
Several residents recounted previous experiences of harassment and assault at the hands of police officers stationed in Kiganjo. They claimed that victims are often silenced through intimidation or bribery, allowing rogue officers to operate with impunity.
While police have denied allegations of brutality, they insist that Njuguna died after choking on bhang he tried to swallow to conceal evidence. They claim the postmortem revealed a packet of bhang wrapped in nylon retrieved intact from his throat.
Authorities have urged calm as investigations continue, with local administrators warning officers against the use of excessive force during arrests. However, residents maintain that justice must be served, demanding the suspension and prosecution of those responsible.
The tragic incident has reignited the debate over police accountability in Kenya, as calls grow louder for reforms to curb brutality and restore public trust in law enforcement.
