Senator Kinyua calls for probe into police actions during Saba Saba protests
Laikipia Senator John Kinyua has called for a comprehensive investigation into the deaths of two young Kenyans during the July 7 Saba Saba demonstrations in Nanyuki, citing excessive use of force by law enforcement agencies.
Speaking during a parliamentary session on July 23, 2025, Kinyua demanded answers from security agencies regarding the circumstances that led to the deaths of 24-year-old Julia Njoki and Form Three student Thomas Gachwara during the protests in his constituency.
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“Sen. John Kinyua (Laikipia) has raised concerns over the death of Mr. Thomas Gachwara and Ms Julia Njoki, who died during the Saba Saba demonstration on 7th July 2025 in Nanyuki, Laikipia County,” a statement by Parliament dated July 23, 2025, reads.
Need for accountability
In his statement to the Standing Committee on National Security, Defence, and Foreign Relations, Kinyua condemned the events and demanded accountability from law enforcement agencies.
“The deaths of Mr. Gachwara and Ms. Njoki expose critical failures in protecting the rights of those arrested and detained,” he stated.
He expressed deep concern over the deaths, asking the committee to report on the actions of police officers, including any legal or disciplinary measures taken against those responsible for excessive force during protests.
“It is crucial that the Standing Committee provides a full report on the circumstances of these deaths, including the accounts from the Inspector General of Police and the Commissioner General of Prisons on the arrest, detention, and treatment of the two individuals,” Kinyua demanded.
Kinyua further urged the Committee to determine whether the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) had launched an investigation into the use of force by police during the Saba Saba protests, particularly in relation to the fatal shootings and injuries.
“The Laikipia Senator urged the Senator Fatuma Dullo-led Committee to find out whether the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has initiated investigations into police operations during the Saba protests, specifically the killing of innocent Kenyans and the use of brutal force against unarmed protesters, to ensure that those responsible are held accountable,” the statement adds.
Tragic deaths
Njoki was arrested during the Saba Saba demonstrations and charged in court the following day, where she was granted cash bail of Ksh50,000. Unable to raise the amount, she was remanded at Nanyuki Prisons.
Tragically, on July 9, 2025, her family was informed that she had collapsed in custody and was rushed to Nanyuki Teaching and Referral Hospital with severe injuries.
“The preliminary medical reports pointed to blunt force trauma, raising serious concerns about her treatment while in state custody,” the statement reads.
The same day of the protests also witnessed the fatal shooting of Thomas Gachwara by police, further intensifying public concern over law enforcement conduct during the demonstrations.
