An autopsy conducted on Wednesday, October 8, 2026, at the Embu Level Five Hospital mortuary revealed that 48-year-old Catherine Mwende Njeru was not pregnant at the time of her death. This contradicts earlier reports that suggested she was pregnant. The postmortem examination was performed by Government pathologists Dr. Peter Ndegwa and Dr. Rosemary Wangare Kamao. The autopsy findings detailed extensive, fatal physical trauma sustained by Mwende.
According to Dr. Ndegwa, Mwende's uterus was empty, but pathologists identified uterine fibroids. The autopsy report highlighted a severe fracture of the skull bone and bleeding in and around the brain. There was also dislocation of the spinal column at the level of the neck, fractures of some ribs on both sides, and bruising of the lungs. These injuries, Dr. Ndegwa stated, circumstantially align with a fall from a moving vehicle.
Human rights advocates monitoring the autopsy, including Hussein Khalid of Vocal Africa and Jane Mwaka of the Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU), asserted that the physical evidence points directly to police brutality. They emphasized that the cause of death is multiple injuries, consistent with the story told by Mwende's family. The activists urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to fast-track its probe and arrest the responsible officers.
Hussein Khalid also alleged widespread extortion patterns by local police officers who reportedly demand money from residents for transportation in official vehicles. This raises concerns about police conduct and abuse of power. The IPOA has been urged to investigate these claims as part of its probe into Mwende's death.
The family of the deceased, describing themselves as individuals of modest means, announced plans to lay Mwende to rest on Tuesday at Makima village. They appealed to well-wishers for financial support toward burial expenses. The husband, Anthony Muturi Waweru, expressed his need for justice and the arrest of the officers responsible for his wife's death.
The autopsy report and the family's account of the incident have sparked outrage and calls for action against police brutality. Key stakeholders, including human rights advocates and the IPOA, are pushing for a thorough investigation and accountability for the officers involved. The case highlights the need for police reform and the protection of human rights in Kenya.
Key points
- The autopsy report revealed that Catherine Mwende Njeru was not pregnant at the time of her death.
- Human rights advocates have urged the IPOA to fast-track its probe and arrest the responsible officers.
- The incident has sparked outrage and calls for action against police brutality in Kenya.
