Kirinyaga Family Seeks State Intervention over Delays in Burial of Daughter Killed During Protests
- A family in Kirinyaga is worried about delays in the postmortem process for their daughter, who was killed in Nairobi during the Saba Saba protests
- The family claims police officers have been taking them in circles, a move that has delayed the process
- They are now seeking the intervention of the government to allow them to bury their kin who was shot while standing on a balcony
A family in Kirinyaga county is calling on the government to intervene following delays and confusion surrounding the postmortem of their 20-year-old daughter.
Source: UGC
The daughter, Jackline Nyawira, was allegedly shot dead during the Saba Saba protests in Githurai 44, Nairobi.
Kirinyaga woman killed while on balcony
Jackline, from Mukithi village in Kirinyaga Central, was reportedly shot while standing on the balcony of her rented apartment in Githurai 44.
She reportedly worked at a local cyber café to support herself and her family.
Her father, Jephita Njagi Kariuki, expressed deep frustration over the back-and-forth between police stations that has stalled the postmortem and burial arrangements, further compounding the family’s sorrow and pain.
“I want to bury my daughter, but her body is still lying at Kenyatta University mortuary. I went to Githurai 44 Police Station, and they directed me to Kasarani Police Station. When I got to Kasarani, they referred me back to Githurai 44. When will I bury my daughter?” the distressed Kariuki questioned during an emotional interview with journalists.
Jackline’s mother, Purity Nyawira, said her daughter’s employer confirmed that she had not reported to work on the day of the protests as the business remained closed for safety reasons.
“Her boss told us she was shot while standing on her balcony. I just want to bury my child and give her a peaceful sendoff,” she said.
The mother noted that her daughter was not in the Saba Saba protest.
She said that they are tired of the back-and-forth, even as they complained that the government has not helped them with the payment of the postmortem fees, which total over KSh 20,000.
Kirinyaga village mourning woman killed during protests
The residents of Mukithi in Kanyekiine Ward also voiced their concerns, urging the government to help the grieving family so they can bury their daughter in peace and begin the delayed healing journey.
Source: UGC
Speaking during burial preparations at the family home, they said the community is still waiting for communication from police in Nairobi regarding the postmortem date and the way forward.
“We are appealing to our elected leaders to step in and help the family get closure and justice,” said one of the locals.
Who burned Magunas Supermarket?
Previously, TUKO.co.ke reported that police officers in Meru had arrested three people linked to a fire that destroyed Magunas Supermarket in Makutano Town.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the three were nabbed following a well-coordinated operation.
The popular supermarket was burned during the Saba Saba protests. Local traders have since claimed individuals behind the incident were from outside the area.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Joshua Cheloti (Editorial assistant) Joshua Cheloti is a multi-skilled journalist with over 5 years of experience in the media industry. He holds a Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication and is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Media and Communication at Mount Kenya University. At TUKO, he's an editorial assistant. Before TUKO, he worked at Nairobi Review as an editorial writer, at Hope Media (Hope TV and Hope FM) as a correspondent in Eldoret, Hivisasa.com digital content editor and online writer, at Biblia Husema Broadcasting (BHB), Eldoret as Radio Presenter. Email: Joshua.cheloti@tuko.co.ke
Valary Akoth Valary Akoth is currently serving as a Tuko Correspondent for Kiambu County. Valary has 2 years of working experience at Radio Mikai, where she served as a Radio Presenter and was responsible for hosting live radio shows, curating playlists. She also worked as a Reporter at Sky Radio from 2023 to 2024 where she covered local and regional news stories, conducted interviews, and provided on-the-ground reports. Valary covers Kiambu and Kirinyaga counties. You can reach her at valaryakoth96@gmail.com.
