JULIA NJOKI: CHIEF FATHER OF GIRL WHO DIED AFTER ARREST IS BEING MUZZLED [VIDEO]

Julia Njoki, who allegedly died while in police custody

It has come to light that Julia Njoki, a 24-year-old woman from Nanyuki who passed away following her arrest during the Saba Saba protests, was the daughter of Chief Martin Kariuki Rienye. He serves as the chief for Gwa Kung’u Location in Laikipia County.

As a chief and state employee, he is expected to keep quiet and remain loyal to the system. This means he is effectively silenced, unable to give media interviews or make vocal pleas for justice. Yet, as a father, he is devastated.

How did Julia Njoki lose her life?

Julia was taken into custody along with other Saba Saba demonstrators on July 7. However, her father, Chief Martin Kariuki Rienye, informed The Standard that Julia Njoki was merely heading home from her job when police apprehended her in Nanyuki town. READ MORE

That evening, she was confined at the Nanyuki Police Station. The following day, she was brought to court and charged with malicious damage to property.

She refuted the allegations but could not afford the Ksh 50,000 cash bail, resulting in her remand at Nanyuki Women’s Prison.

That very evening, only a few hours after her incarceration, she began to experience headaches, stomach aches, and dizziness. Authorities at the prison transferred her to Nanyuki Teaching and Referral Hospital, but her condition deteriorated. She was subsequently moved to Cottage Hospital, admitted to the ICU, and underwent surgery. She passed away on July 12.

Her family claims the reality is both simple and horrifying: Julia was beaten by a police officer while in custody.

An initial medical report indicates she suffered blunt force trauma to the head, with injuries consistent with a violent attack.

Julia Njoki, who allegedly died while in police custody

However, the formal response thus far has been apathetic. The National Police Service asserts that no official complaint has been filed as of yet. They maintain that Julia was in satisfactory health when she appeared in court and have promised a "credible and transparent" investigation, but the family remains skeptical. READ MORE

On Monday, July 14, frustration surged in Nanyuki. Residents of Likkii Estate flooded the streets, demanding justice for Julia.

Even schoolchildren and elderly women stood by, observing. Some participated in the protests. Her grandmother, Susan Kirigo, was among the demonstrators.

Meanwhile, Chief Kariuki finds himself torn between his duties to the government and his sorrow as a father. He is not permitted to voice his concerns. He is not allowed to weep in public. He is not authorized to seek justice for his own daughter. His silence speaks volumes.