An autopsy on 17-year-old Sylvester Muigai has confirmed that he died from a single gunshot wound to the head after he was allegedly shot during anti-Ebola protests in Likii Village, Nanyuki Town.
The results have strengthened demands for accountability, as his family seeks justice and answers about the events that led to his death.
The postmortem found that the bullet entered the left side of his head, passed through the brain, and lodged beneath the skin on the right side, causing serious internal bleeding.
Sylvester is now among three protesters who have died from gunshot wounds during the demonstrations, heightening concerns about the use of force during the protests.
His family says police first told them their son had been hit on the head by a stone.
After waiting for nearly two hours at the Nanyuki Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary, they were later informed that he had died from a gunshot wound.
In an emotional statement, Sylvester’s mother, Lucy Kagure, questioned why police allegedly shot her firstborn son, saying he had only joined other residents protesting concerns over the proposed Ebola quarantine facility.
She said her son was not a threat and demanded answers over the fatal shooting.
Pathologist Dr. Peter Ndegwa said the cause of death was severe head injuries caused by a single gunshot wound.
He said the injury pattern indicated the use of a pistol and confirmed that the recovered bullet had been handed to investigators from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority for further examination.
Lawyers and human rights activists have urged the government to stop the killings and ensure that those responsible are brought to account.
They have also called for the identification and interdiction of the officer involved, warning that inaction could further damage public confidence in law enforcement institutions.
Sylvester Muigai, a Form Three student at Thingithu Secondary School in Nanyuki, was shot during the second week of anti-Ebola protests in the town.
Meanwhile, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has said the government will comply with the court order stopping the establishment of the Ebola quarantine facility in Nanyuki.
However, he said the facility remains part of Kenya’s preparedness strategy and noted that the government could still rely on provisions of the Public Health Act if an Ebola case is confirmed in the country.