DCI clarifies circumstances surrounding death of Corporal James Muiruri
By David Nthua, February 23, 2026The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has denied reports that one of their own died at its Headquarters.
In a clarification statement shared on X on Monday, February 23, 2026, the DCI said the late officer died at a hospital in Ngong and not at its Nairobi offices as widely circulated on social media.
In the statement titled “Clarification on False Information Regarding the Death of Corporal James Muiruri Mburu,” the agency confirmed the death of Corporal James Muiruri Mburu, who was attached to the DCI Kajiado North Sub County.
“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations deeply regrets the tragic and untimely death of one of our own, Corporal James Muiruri Mburu, attached to the DCI Kajiado North Sub County. He passed away on February 21, 2026,” the DCI stated.
According to the agency, the officer did not collapse or die at DCI Headquarters as claimed online.
“Corporal Muiruri did not pass away at DCI Headquarters. The incident occurred in Ngong, and he was taken to Ngong Level IV Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival,” the DCI stated.
The investigative body further dismissed claims that family members discovered his body.
“His body was not discovered by family members, but by a neighbor’s house help who found him lying unresponsive in his kitchen garden and immediately raised the alarm,” the statement read.
The DCI said three fellow officers responded swiftly and rushed him to hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead on arrival.
The matter was formally reported at Ngong Police Station under OB No. 38/21/02/2026.
Preliminary findings point to electrocution
Preliminary documentation of the scene was conducted by Crime Scene Investigation officers alongside personnel from the Kenya Power and Lighting Company.
“Preliminary scene documentation conducted by Crime Scene Investigation officers, alongside personnel from the Kenya Power and Lighting Company, identified a live electrical wire beneath the surface of the garden, which is believed to have caused electrocution as he tilled the land,” the DCI stated.
An inquiry into the incident has since been launched, with a postmortem examination scheduled to establish the exact cause of death.
As investigations continue, the agency urged members of the public to refrain from speculation.
“As investigations continue, we respectfully urge the public to refrain from speculation and to allow the family the privacy and dignity they deserve as they grieve this immense loss,” the DCI stated.
The agency also extended condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the late officer, describing him as a dedicated servant of the nation whose loss has deeply affected the entire DCI fraternity.