Festus Muthui Kitili
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A recent autopsy has determined that Festus Muthui, a 26-year-old mechanic who died under suspicious circumstances after four days in police custody, suffered fatal head injuries due to blunt force trauma.
The postmortem, conducted by government pathologist Titus Ngulungu at the Nakuru Teaching and Referral Hospital, revealed that Muthui's death was caused by global brain contusion and subdural hematoma. Muthui had been detained at Bondeni Police Station in Nakuru County following accusations from his estranged wife, who alleged he had defiled their 12-year-old daughter.
His father, George Mutinda, reported receiving a call from Muthui's employer on December 20, 2024, informing him of his son's arrest. Upon arrival in Nakuru, Mutinda encountered his daughter-in-law, who demanded Sh 30,000 for child upkeep, alleging Muthui had not fulfilled the agreed monthly maintenance of Sh 2,000.
Mutinda managed to pay Sh 5,400 and pledged to provide an additional KSh 15,000 later. The following day, he approached the police station to secure his son's release, only to be informed by Officer Ann Achieng' that Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Meshak Mwangangi required Sh 20,000 for Muthui's liberation. After acquiring the funds, Mutinda discovered his son's health had significantly deteriorated, prompting an immediate visit to the hospital.
"At the station, a police officer named Ann Achieng’ attended to us. When we asked her to release Mutinda, she said she had to talk to OCS Meshak Mwangangi. A few minutes later she came back and said the OCS was demanding Sh20,000 for his son to be released," he said.
Despite receiving treatment for depression and being prescribed medication, Muthui was rearrested shortly after his initial release, purportedly to sign an important document. The next day, Mutinda was called back to the police station, where he found his son unconscious on the cell floor. Muthui was again rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
"My son was treated and the doctor's report indicated that he was depressed and he was put on medication, but shortly after he was treated, OCS Bondeni called me back and sent a police Landcruiser to take my son back to the station supposedly to sign an important document. They arrested him again,” he said
In response to this incident, the Nakuru Human Rights Network (Nahurinet) has called for a comprehensive investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to seek justice for Muthui's family. Nahurinet director David Kuria highlights the station's troubling history, referencing a previous unresolved case involving an officer who shot a schoolgirl.
Kuria reiterates the need for IPOA to thoroughly manage such cases in order to restore public confidence in law enforcement.