Ann Nyawira was forced to spend the night with her son’s body after he was shot dead by police during the Saba Saba protests in Kitengela. Her son, Brian Kimutai, 21, was killed on Monday afternoon.
Brian Kimutai.
The family says they took the body home from the hospital because police officers wanted to collect it, and they feared it would be interfered with.
“We had no choice. They wanted to take him, and we were afraid they would tamper with the body,” Ann said outside Kitengela Sub-County Mortuary.
The family says when they tried to report the shooting, officers told them to return the next day.
One officer kept calling, asking where the body was.
Fearing interference or cover-up, they brought the body home and watched over it through the night.
A hearse picking Brian Kimutai’s body from Kitengela Subcounty Hospital in Kajiado county on July 8, 2025/ GEORGE OWITI.
How did Brian Kimutai Die?
Brian had left the house to observe the protests. According to his mother, he was not involved in any riots.
Witnesses say he was shot by an officer known to the family, who allegedly had a grudge over a past motorbike dispute.
“We were hiding behind a poster. Brian peeked, and when police saw us, he raised his hands to surrender,” said Edwin Odhiambo, a friend. “But the officer shot him in the shoulder, and again in the neck.”
Ann Nyawira,Brian Kimutai’s mother addressing the press on 08/07/2025.
Brian died a few metres from their home, along Kitengela Prison Road.
Victor Owino, another friend, said they ran after the shooting because the officer approached them.
“We couldn’t help him. I can’t sleep after seeing him in that state,” Owino said.
Brian is among at least 31 people reportedly killed by police during the Saba Saba protests.
Friends described him as a quiet, skilled painter who worked hard to support himself.
“We painted together. That’s how we made a living,” said Owino. “He was a good person. We want justice.”
Human rights groups are calling for the officer’s arrest and suspension, and for a full investigation into the shooting.
“He wasn’t a criminal. He didn’t deserve to die like that,” said Ann.
