An autopsy conducted on Thursday confirmed that a 32-year-old man killed during Monday’s nationwide demonstrations in Kiambu town died from a gunshot fired at a distance.
The examination of Martin Rigii, also known as Rige or Rugi to family members, took place at the St. Teresiah Hospital mortuary in Thindigwa estate, Kiambu County. The procedure, lasting more than an hour, was observed by government pathologists, independent medical experts, human rights organizations, and state investigative agencies.
Following the autopsy, government pathologist Dr. Peter Ndegwa confirmed the cause of death, stating the shot was fired from a distance rather than up close.
Munene Warutere, vice-chair of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) Kiambu chapter and the family’s legal counsel, described the extensive internal injuries caused by the single bullet.
“The cause of death as determined by the physician is hemorrhage from the bullet wound,” Warutere informed reporters. “The projectile entered through the right shoulder and exited through the left side of the back. There was significant bleeding, and internal organs, particularly the lung, suffered severe damage.”
The autopsy was attended by representatives from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU), and the human rights organization Vocal Africa.
The deceased’s family expressed contentment with the autopsy’s transparency but demanded immediate legal responsibility.
“We are satisfied with the doctor’s postmortem because we now know for certain he was killed by a bullet,” stated Francis Kaliba Kamau, Rigii’s cousin. “The only thing we seek now is justice. The individual responsible must face consequences.”
Warutere delivered a sharp criticism against police conduct during public demonstrations, reminding authorities of their constitutional duties.
“A young man, only 32 years old and unmarried, has lost his life to a bullet. The same officers who took an oath to protect lives are violating constitutional rights under Article 26the right to life,” Warutere emphasized.
Warutere indicated that the LSK would circumvent potential investigative delays by proceeding directly to court. “Precedent exists from the High Court and Court of Appeal establishing that a wrongful death petition does not depend on the conclusion of a criminal investigation. We can immediately file petitions for compensation and a declaration of wrongful death by a state entity.”
The Kiambu fatality reflects a wider issue of excessive police force nationwide during protests against substantial fuel price increases. Human rights activist Khalid Hassan disclosed that independent monitors are currently investigating multiple similar deaths from Monday’s unrest.
“As human rights practitioners, we are monitoring 17 cases of fatalities from Monday’s fuel price protests, occurring in Western Kenya, Kiambu, Nairobi, Kitengela, and other regions,” Hassan reported.
Hassan also issued a pointed message to transport sector stakeholders who have begun negotiations with the government after the economic disruption.
“We urge the transport sector to remember that these young men and women died while protesting for lower fuel prices. They are now negotiating with the government, but what about those who lost their lives?” Hassan questioned. “Justice for the deceased must be the first item on those negotiation tables, followed by financial assistance for the grieving families to ensure proper funerals.”
Civil society organizations have indicated that the officer who fired the fatal shot in Kiambu town is known to local witnesses, intensifying pressure on IPOA to accelerate the criminal investigation.
Activists and legal teams present stated they would closely monitor the state’s response, cautioning against using financial compensation as a replacement for legal accountability.
“We urge IPOA to act swiftly, review CCTV footage, and interview witnesses who were present,” Hassan added. “We cannot permit the country’s recurring pattern where the state kills its citizens, offers compensation, and allows reckless officers to escape unpunished.”
Investigations into the incident continue.