The country has been thrown into mourning and disbelief following the shocking revelation that Susan Njoki, a nurse and founder of the Toto Touch organization, was strangled to death at Chiromo Hospital Group’s Braeside branch.
Njoki had been admitted to the mental health facility under controversial circumstances on Monday, and was confirmed dead barely a day later.
An autopsy conducted on Tuesday by a panel of six pathologists, representing her family, the government, and the hospital, revealed that she died as a result of manual strangulation, approximately four hours after her last meal.
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“Susan died because of what we call manual strangulation. In simple terms, it means kunyongwa kwa shingo,” said Dr. P.M. Maturi, the family’s pathologist.
Government pathologist Dr. J.N. Ndungu echoed the findings, stating, “There are features of compression to the neck… consistent with manual strangulation. There are also signs of oxygen deprivation in the blood.”
Njoki’s mysterious death has sparked national outrage, especially following her social media claims prior to admission.
She alleged that her husband, Alloise Ngure, had sent four individuals to forcibly inject and commit her to a mental health facility against her will. She was taken from their home in Kileleshwa without her consent.
During the postmortem exercise held at Montezuma Monalisa Funeral Home, her family was joined by detectives from Kabete Police Station who are leading the investigations.
Her brother, Ephantus Kamengere, confirmed that further tests, including a toxicology analysis, may be conducted, but insisted the family was already convinced that the events leading to her death were premeditated.
“The intention to collect her, to force her to go to the hospital against her will, was there. The instructions were given by the husband,” Kamengere stated.
Her sister, Priscillah Wanjiru, added, “As Kamengere family, tunaweza shukuru sana tukaweza pata justice, mtusaidie kwa sababu tumelose our loving sister.”
As investigations continue, Ngure, who is considered a key suspect, was arrested and later released on cash bail after recording a statement with police. The family has now raised concerns over possible interference in the case and is calling for full accountability.
“We cannot lose our sister that way and also lose the right to bury. This is an instruction to Montezuma that nobody has a right to take that body before we decide,” Kamengere insisted.
Police have already taken statements from Dr. Onyancha, Njoki’s physician, and nurses from the Braeside facility who interacted with the deceased. Investigators say more suspects are being pursued, some of whom have reportedly gone into hiding.
In a statement issued Tuesday evening, Chiromo Hospital Group CEO Dr. Vincent Hongo said the facility is cooperating fully with investigators, has preserved all relevant records, and is committed to supporting efforts to uncover the truth.
The tragic death of Susan Njoki, a passionate mental health advocate and caregiver, has left many calling for reforms in the handling of mental health admissions and greater oversight of private healthcare institutions.
Her family, meanwhile, is determined to ensure justice is served as they begin planning her burial under a cloud of grief and unresolved questions.