Pathologists Unable to Confirm Cause of Death for Protest Victim Julia Wangui

The recent anti-government demonstrations in Nanyuki, Laikipia County, have taken a tragic turn, with the deaths of two individuals now under intense scrutiny.

The fatalities, occurring in the context of the Saba Saba protests, have prompted investigations into the actions of law enforcement and the accountability of public institutions. Julia Wangui, 24, and James Wambugu, a 23-year-old secondary school student, died following separate encounters with police during the demonstrations. Post-mortem examinations have been conducted to determine the precise circumstances surrounding their deaths.

The examination into Wangui’s death remains inconclusive. Pathologists identified brain bleeding that appeared non-traumatic, and noted the absence of external injuries. Additional toxicological screening and a comprehensive analysis of her organ function are planned to investigate anomalies found in her liver, pancreas, and lungs. The fact that Wangui collapsed while in custody at Nanyuki Women’s Prison raises serious concerns regarding the conditions of detention and the provision of timely medical care to detainees.

In stark contrast, the cause of Wambugu's death has been definitively established. A gunshot wound to the pelvic region, sustained during a confrontation between demonstrators and plain-clothes police officers, resulted in catastrophic internal bleeding. A joint report by pathologists representing the government, the Independent Medico-Legal Unit, and Wambugu's family confirmed that the bullet severed vital blood vessels and damaged portions of his intestines. 

The autopsy, conducted under heavy security at the Nanyuki Teaching and Referral Hospital morgue, was observed by officials from oversight bodies, including the Independent Policing Oversight Authority, the Law Society of Kenya, and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations. Wambugu’s death is particularly poignant. He had previously survived a violent robbery in Isiolo in 2022. Driven by a desire to become a doctor, Wambugu returned to school. 

He was shot near his home in Likii Estate as he travelled to school dressed in civilian clothes to conceal his uniform. A widely circulated video captured the moments leading up to the incident, showing a tense encounter between Wambugu and armed police. The video depicts an officer firing a warning shot into the air immediately before Wambugu collapsed. He later died at the hospital.

Public outcry in Nanyuki has been significant, with residents and rights organisations condemning what they describe as disproportionate use of force by the police. Allegations of a systemic failure to protect youthful dissenters are widespread. The deaths of Wangui and Wambugu, both occurring within contexts of state authority, have sparked urgent demands for transparent investigations and criminal accountability. 

Civil society groups are calling for comprehensive institutional reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future, particularly regarding police response protocols and the treatment of individuals in state custody. Wambugu’s relatives are appealing to the government for assistance with medical expenses and to ensure that the officer responsible for his death is brought to justice. “Wambugu had big dreams, which were abruptly cut short by a police bullet,” stated family spokesperson Anderson Kirimi.