The National Police Service (NPS) has issued a statement responding to recent reports concerning the late Juliet Wangai Kariuki, who was among the individuals arrested during the recent Saba Saba protests in Nanyuki Town.
Kariuki reportedly fell ill while in police custody and later admitted at Nanyuki referral hospital while seriously bleeding and unconscious and later died according to her family. The family also denied prior medical conditions alleging foul play while in police custody.
Meanwhile the National Police Service through a press release dated July 14, 2025 has distanced itself from the allegations.
According to the NPS, a total of 126 individuals were arrested on July 7, 2025, in connection with the protests. The following day, the detainees, including Kariuki, were arraigned in court and charged with malicious damage to property under Section 339(1) of the Penal Code. All the accused pleaded not guilty and were granted the option of a KSh 50,000 cash bail or remand at Nanyuki Prison.
The police service emphasized that all protesters, including Ms. Kariuki, were presented in court “in good health.” The statement also noted that no formal complaint has been lodged with the NPS regarding police misconduct related to the incident.
The NPS extended its condolences to the family of Ms. Kariuki, acknowledging their grief during what it described as a time of “profound sorrow” while also promising to investigate the concerns
“Relevant agencies will conduct swift, transparent, and credible investigations into the matter, and accountability will follow,” read the statement signed by Muchiri Nyaga, Director of Corporate Communication and official spokesperson for the National Police Service.
Public concern has been mounting following reports surrounding Kariuki’s arrest and subsequent death, prompting calls from civil society groups for greater transparency in how protestors are treated while in custody.
While the statement addressed several aspects of the arrest process, it did not provide additional details regarding the circumstances of Kariuki’s death a matter that remains a point of public interest and scrutiny.
