Residents of Shamata in Nyandarua County took drastic action on Wednesday, storming a police station with the coffin of Josephat Gachema Karanja, a 20-year-old man who was allegedly murdered last week. The protesters, led by local residents including Joshua Macharia and Kamau Kanjambi, demanded swift investigations and the arrest of those responsible for Karanja's death. The body was discovered at Teka Junior Primary School in Mwihang'ia village, Shamata, with visible injuries.
The protesters carried Karanja's coffin on their shoulders to Shamata Police Station, where they blocked the road, lit fires, and waved tree branches as they called for justice. They expressed frustration over the lack of arrests by the time the burial was scheduled to take place, demanding a thorough investigation into the circumstances of his death. Karanja's family members, including his brother Stephen Macharia and cousin Mukuhi Kirathe, claimed that the body had severe injuries that raised suspicions that he had been tortured before his death.
According to Karanja's family, the deceased had burn marks on his chest and genitals, although the circumstances surrounding the injuries remain unclear. The family and other residents maintained that they would not allow the burial to proceed until justice was served. They also urged security agencies to step up efforts to address rising crime in the area, with concerns over increasing insecurity in Shamata.
Aberdare Sub-County Police Commander Pius Muthoka addressed the protesters, assuring them that police were pursuing the case and would work to ensure those responsible were brought to justice. Muthoka's assurance came after the protesters raised concerns over the police's handling of the case. The police commander urged calm and promised that the investigation would be thorough.
Police have since arrested one suspect, while investigations into the killing are ongoing. The body was later collected and transported by police to the Nyahururu Referral Hospital mortuary on Wednesday evening. The arrest of the suspect was a result of the police's efforts to respond to the protesters' demands for action.
The protesters, led by local residents, vowed to continue pushing for justice for Karanja until those responsible are brought to account. They emphasized the need for the police to take concrete steps to address the rising crime in the area. The incident has sparked a strong reaction from the community, with many calling for greater security measures.
The case has highlighted concerns over insecurity in Nyandarua County, with residents demanding more action from security agencies. The police have assured the public that they are committed to investigating the case and bringing those responsible to justice.
Key points
- Residents of Shamata in Nyandarua County stormed a police station with the coffin of a 20-year-old man allegedly murdered last week.
- The protesters demanded swift investigations and the arrest of those responsible for Josephat Gachema Karanja's death.
- Police have arrested one suspect, while investigations into the killing are ongoing.
