A family in Githurai 44 is calling for justice following the death of Eric Muiruri, a club bouncer who was allegedly shot by police officers after a dispute at a local bar.
According to the family, Muiruri was involved in a physical fight with a club manager who eventually called the police. When officers arrived, instead of making an arrest, one reportedly shot Muiruri dead.
Mother Alleges Police Misconduct
Joyce Njoki, Muiruri’s mother, claimed that two officers, Stevo and Deno, who knew her son and the family, responded to the call. She said her son surrendered and pleaded for his life, but officer Stevo fired the fatal shot.
"Muiruri raised his hands and begged Stevo not to shoot him," Njoki recounted.
Claims of Evidence Planting
Following the shooting, Njoki alleged the officers planted items on Muiruri’s body to falsely implicate him in theft. She insisted on seeing the alleged stolen goods, but was shown a bag containing phone covers and a knife placed on her son after his death.
"I questioned why Muiruri didn't have the claimed stolen items with him," she said.
Concerns Over Handling of the Body
Further distress came when the family found Muiruri’s body covered in mud despite being clean before the incident. Njoki expressed suspicion that her son’s body might have been moved to a ditch post-shooting.
Friends Defend Muiruri’s Character
Close friend Anthony Joel described Muiruri as a man of integrity who would never steal, emphasizing that he would not take anything that did not belong to him.
Family Faces Challenges in Seeking Accountability
The family has also struggled to obtain an official police occurrence book number two days after the incident, intensifying their frustration as they pursue justice.
