Autopsy Reveals Majengo Protester Was Shot, Not Stabbed: Family Demands Justice

An autopsy on the body of 26-year-old Dennis Muthui, who was fatally shot during protests at Nairobi’s Majengo slums, has upended earlier police claims that he was stabbed.

Government pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor confirmed that Muthui’s death was caused by a gunshot wound directly to the stomach. “The injury was inflicted at close range with a small-caliber weapon, most likely a pistol,” he explained. During the postmortem, gun pellets and plastic fragments were recovered from the victim’s abdomen—evidence that was also collected by investigators from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).

Muthui was shot on Wednesday amidst chaotic protests in Majengo, which erupted following the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Ibrahim Ramadhan by police. In the ensuing turmoil between rioters and law enforcement, an unidentified police officer targeted Muthui. Moments later, the National Police Service (NPS) reported that Muthui had been stabbed by criminals—a claim now refuted by autopsy findings.

Muthui’s family is calling for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the officer responsible for his death, as they begin their long search for justice. The unrest also resulted in significant property damage: two police vehicles were damaged—one was set ablaze and a Volkswagen Amarok suffered extensive damage to its windscreens, windows, and mirrors. Additionally, several administrative offices and staff houses in the area were burned or vandalized, and three police officers sustained injuries during the riots.

Human rights groups, including the Kenya Human Rights Commission and Kamkunji Human Rights Defenders, have demanded decisive action. “We also demand that IPOA launch an investigation into the officers responsible for these shootings and ensure those found guilty face justice,” the organizations stated, calling for an immediate end to the use of lethal force and for the upholding of the right to protest.

As the investigation continues, the incident has intensified public scrutiny over police conduct and raised serious concerns about accountability in the use of force during protests in Kenya.