Emotional Scenes as Family Marks One Year Since Death of Kianjokoma Brothers
The family of the Kianjokoma brothers gathered on Monday for a deeply emotional memorial service to mark exactly one year since the tragic deaths of Benson Njiru and Emmanuel Mutura. The two siblings, whose deaths shocked the nation in 2021, were remembered at their family home, where relatives, friends, and neighbours came together to reflect on the loss that continues to weigh heavily on the community.
Njiru, aged 22, and his 19-year-old brother Mutura died under circumstances that sparked national outrage after they were arrested for allegedly violating the COVID-19 curfew that restricted movement between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. According to family statements and early investigations, the brothers were detained on the night of August 1, 2021, for supposedly breaching the curfew. They were later reported missing, prompting a frantic search by relatives.
The search ended in heartbreak when the two bodies were discovered on August 3 at the Embu Level 5 Hospital morgue—nearly 10 kilometres from the location of their arrest. Their deaths were later linked to alleged police misconduct, leading to public protests, calls for justice, and the arraignment of several officers.
During the anniversary service, the family expressed ongoing pain and unresolved questions about the events that led to the deaths. They also reiterated their demand for accountability and emphasized the need for reforms that would ensure no other family endures a similar tragedy.