Fresh concerns have emerged surrounding the death of Eric Muiruri, a bouncer at Githurai 44 club, after an autopsy report contradicted the police's version of events. Muiruri died on August 9, and the postmortem conducted at Nairobi Funeral Home revealed he was shot twice, with bullet trajectories suggesting he may have been kneeling when shot.

Pathologist Bernard Midia detailed that one bullet entered Muiruri's body and exited through his back, while the other passed through his chest and abdomen, damaging multiple internal organs. Additionally, several visible injuries were noted around the time of death.

Family Disputes Police Narrative

The police claim Muiruri was shot during a pursuit following a robbery involving four young men, including Muiruri, who allegedly snatched a passenger's mobile phone. This incident was reported at Githurai 44 Police Post around 10:20 pm on August 9.

However, Muiruri’s family rejects this account. His mother, Joyce Njoki, said her son was on his knees pleading for his life when he was shot. She also accused police officers of planting evidence to implicate him, describing how items purportedly stolen were retrieved from a drainage ditch and placed in a bag after the shooting.

Autopsy Supports Family's Claims

Vocal Africa CEO Hussein Khalid highlighted that the bullet trajectory indicates the shooter was positioned above Muiruri, supporting the claim that he was kneeling rather than standing. Khalid emphasized that this finding challenges the police version of events.

Calls for Justice and Independent Inquiry

  • Njoki demands accountability for the officers involved to prevent similar tragedies.
  • The family questions the condition of Muiruri’s body, which was found covered in mud despite reportedly being clean when shot, raising concerns about post-shooting handling.
  • Friends and supporters defend Muiruri’s character, denying allegations of theft.
  • For two days, the family struggled to obtain official police records related to the incident.

Vocal Africa and other activists have urged Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to act on the autopsy findings and ensure a thorough, independent investigation. The case highlights broader issues of alleged police killings and extrajudicial actions in Kenya.