It turns out that Julia Njoki, the 24-year-old woman from Nanyuki who died after being arrested during the Saba Saba protests was the daughter of Chief Martin Kariuki Rienye. He is the area chief of Gwa Kung’u Location in Laikipia County.
And as a chief and government servant, he is expected to remain silent and stay loyal to the system. That means he is gagged, no media interviews or vocal demands for justice. But as a father, he is broken.
How did Julia Njoki Die?
Julia was arrested alongside other Saba Saba protesters on July 7. But her father, Chief Martin Kariuki Rienye, told The Standard that Julia Njoki was simply heading home from work when police picked her up in Nanyuki town
That night, she was locked up at the Nanyuki Police Station. And the next day, she was taken to court and charged with malicious damage to property.
She denied the charges but could not raise the Ksh 50,000 cash bail, so she was remanded at Nanyuki Women’s Prison.
That same evening, just a few hours after being taken into custody, she began complaining of headaches, stomach pain, and dizziness. Prison authorities took her to Nanyuki Teaching and Referral Hospital, but her condition got worse. She was moved to Cottage Hospital, placed in ICU, and underwent surgery. She died on July 12.
Her family says the truth is simple and horrifying, Julia was beaten by a police officer in custody.
A preliminary medical report shows she suffered blunt force trauma to the head, injuries consistent with being violently assaulted.
But the official response so far has been cold. The National Police Service says no formal complaint has been made yet. They claim Julia was in good health when she appeared in court. They have promised a “credible and transparent” investigation, but the family is not convinced.
On Monday, July 14, anger boiled over in Nanyuki. Residents of Likkii Estate poured into the streets demanding justice for Julia.
Even schoolchildren and elderly women stood by, watching. Some joined in. Her grandmother, Susan Kirigo, was among the crowd.
Meanwhile, Chief Kariuki remains caught between his duty to the government, and his grief as a father. He is not allowed to speak out. Not allowed to cry in public. Not allowed to demand justice for his own daughter. His silence speaks volumes.
By Vivian K.