The National Police Service (NPS) has dismissed allegations that Julie Njoki, a 24-year-old woman who died in custody, was a victim of police brutality.
This comes after a report published by The Standard Newspaper on Monday, July 14, appeared to suggest that Njoki died after being assaulted while in police custody.
In a statement released that afternoon, the NPS acknowledged the report and sought to clarify the circumstances surrounding Njoki’s arrest and detention.
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According to the police, Njoki was among 126 individuals arrested in Nanyuki during Saba Saba Day demonstrations on July 7. She was later charged at the Nanyuki Law Courts with malicious damage to property under Section 339(1) of the Penal Code.
The suspects, including Njoki, reportedly pleaded guilty and were given the option of paying a KSh50,000 bail or being remanded at Nanyuki Prison. Njoki was detained after her family was unable to raise the bail.
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Although the police did not explain the cause of her death, the NPS emphasized that no formal complaints had been filed against officers regarding misconduct in this case. “To date, no formal complaint has been recorded alleging any misconduct—whether by commission or omission,” the statement read.
However, the NPS added that relevant agencies would conduct “swift, transparent, and credible investigations” into the incident and promised accountability should any wrongdoing be established.
The Standard report included a photo of the late Njoki and a caption suggesting that after a standoff between the Police Service and the Prisons Department, the Prisons Service acknowledged that Njoki died in their custody but claimed she arrived already injured.
The death has sparked fresh protests in Nanyuki, with residents demanding justice. Njoki’s grandmother, who led the demonstrations, accused the authorities of torturing her granddaughter while in detention.
As investigations continue, the country waits for answers on the tragic death of Julie Njoki.
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