Police deny involvement in death of Juliet Njoki while in custody
The National Police Service (NPS) has denied involvement in the death of Juliet (Julia) Wangai Kariuki while in custody following her arrest during the Saba Saba protests.
In a statement on Monday, July 14, 2025, NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga indicated that Juliet was among 126 people arrested during the demos, and that she was in good health at the time of her arrest.
You might also like
“As a Service, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Juliet Wangai Kariuki during this time of profound sorrow,” the NPS statement reads in part.
Remanded at Nanyuki prison
“The NPS wishes to clarify that, following the Saba Saba protests in Nanyuki Town, 126 protesters were arrested, among them Juliet Wangai Kariuki. The protesters were processed and arraigned at Nanyuki Law Courts in good health on 8th July 2025, charged with the offence of malicious damage to property under Section 339(1) of the Penal Code. All pleaded not guilty and were remanded to Nanyuki Prison or pay a cash bail of fifty thousand shillings each.”
The police also revealed that they have yet to receive any formal complaint of misconduct on their part, which could have led to the death of Julia while in custody.
“To date, no formal complaint has been recorded alleging any misconduct-whether by commission or omission. Nevertheless, the relevant agencies will conduct swift, transparent, and credible investigations into the matter, and accountability will follow,” Muchiri said.
Passaris condemns death
In a statement on Saturday, July 12, 2025, Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris raised the alarm over the death of Julia while in custody at Nanyuki Police Station.
“We cannot keep turning people into hashtags. We must heed the call of the church. We need healing. We need peace. We need a plan. Stop the rallies. Stop the demos,” she said.
The lawmaker expressed deep sorrow over Julia’s death, joining growing public demands for transparency and accountability from the National Police Service and investigative agencies.
Further, Passaris has urged for an independent post-mortem to be conducted by government pathologists.
“Julia Njoki is gone, and nothing can bring her back. I know the Woman Representative of Laikipia, Hon Jane Kagiri, is following up, and like many of you, I await a statement from the National Police Service, the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). Justice delayed is justice denied. I only hope the government pathologists will conduct an independent postmortem,” she stated.
