The National Police Service (NPS) in Kenya has issued a statement regarding the discovery of a pregnant woman's body on a roadside in Kirinyaga County. According to NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, the body of Catherine Njeru was found along the Piai-Itangi Murram Road early in the morning, with preliminary observations indicating visible injuries to her head and hip. The NPS has characterized the incident as a murder requiring investigation.
The deceased's husband, Anthony Muturi, alleged that he and Catherine had accepted a lift in a police Land Cruiser while traveling to Murungiko. When they informed the officers they had reached their destination, the vehicle did not stop. Muturi claimed the officers then demanded fuel money before he attempted to force his way out, leading to a struggle. He alleged that his wife was thrown from the still-moving vehicle, resulting in her death.
In its statement, the NPS made no reference to the hitchhiking account and instead directed the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to expedite the inquiry into what it described as a heinous crime. Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has been kept briefed on the incident and has directed the DCI to establish the facts. County-level and regional criminal investigations officers have already been deployed to the scene.
Residents in the area reacted angrily to the woman's death, blocking the road and confronting officers who arrived to retrieve the body. Locals alleged the police vehicle had been making a habit of offering lifts to members of the public along the route before demanding payment. The incident has sparked widespread concern and outrage in the community.
The NPS has urged the community to remain calm and avoid speculation while investigations proceed. The service has also condoled with the family, relatives, and friends of the deceased and committed to expeditious and conclusive investigations to ensure that any person or persons responsible for this crime are brought to justice.
The investigation into Catherine Njeru's death is ongoing, with the NPS working to establish the circumstances surrounding her death. The incident has raised questions about police conduct and the safety of members of the public who interact with law enforcement officers.
The Kenyan community is awaiting the outcome of the investigation, hoping that justice will be served. The NPS has reiterated its commitment to conclusive investigations and bringing those responsible to justice.
Key points
- The National Police Service has directed the DCI to expedite investigations into the death of a pregnant woman allegedly thrown from a moving police vehicle.
- The incident has sparked widespread concern and outrage in the community, with residents reacting angrily to the woman's death.
- The NPS has urged the community to remain calm and avoid speculation while investigations proceed.
