Julie Njoki Dies After Night in Nanyuki Police Cell, Family Alleges Police Brutality

 

By Vivian Anyango

 Outrage and grief have gripped the nation following the death of 23-year-old activist Julie Njoki, who died under suspicious circumstances after spending a night in custody at the Nanyuki Police Station. Her family has alleged police brutality, blaming officers for her fatal injuries and accusing them of attempting to cover up the incident.

Njoki, a prominent voice among Kenya’s Gen Z protest movement, was arrested on Monday, July 7, during the Saba Saba demonstrations—nationwide protests driven by youth frustration over governance, corruption, and police violence. She was detained overnight and presented in court the following day. But by Wednesday morning, her family was notified of her death.

Speaking to the press outside the Nanyuki mortuary, Njoki’s aunt, Miriam Wambui, demanded justice. “How do you jail a Gen Z on Monday and report them dead by Wednesday?” she asked tearfully. “Julie was full of life, and now she's gone. The police know what happened.”

A medical report reviewed by the family indicated that Julie suffered blunt force trauma to the head—injuries consistent with a violent assault. Relatives claim police delayed taking her to the hospital, only transferring her to a health facility after her condition deteriorated. By then, it was too late—Julie succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival.

The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has called for an independent investigation, describing Njoki’s death as a “clear case of custodial torture.” Social media platforms have since erupted with anger, with hashtags like #JusticeForJulie and #StopPoliceBrutality trending for hours on Wednesday.

Julie’s death has drawn comparisons to that of Albert Ojwang, a political blogger who also died recently under similar circumstances while in police custody. Both cases have intensified calls for systemic police reforms and greater accountability for abuse within Kenya’s security forces.

Despite the public outcry, authorities have yet to release an official statement on Julie’s death. No officers have been suspended or held responsible so far.

“We demand the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible,” said Boniface Mwangi, a prominent activist. “Julie Njoki’s blood cries out for justice. The youth will not be silenced.”

Julie Njoki was not just a protester—she was a poet, a student, and an advocate for change. Her death now stands as another tragic symbol of the growing dangers faced by Kenya’s young activists.

As pressure mounts on the government and law enforcement agencies, Julie’s family has vowed to pursue justice through every available legal channel.

Her funeral is scheduled for next week in Nyeri County. For many, it will not only be a farewell—it will be a rallying cry.