Family Blames Police for Death of Missing Kayole Man Found at Mama Lucy Mortuary

By Brad Mukopi

Detectives at Kayole Police Station in Nairobi are investigating the mysterious death of Charles Ndung’u Njuguna, a man allegedly assaulted by a mob following a botched robbery attempt.

While police maintain that Njuguna was a victim of mob justice, his family disputes this claim, insisting that he was arrested and beaten to death by police officers.

The family’s search for Njuguna has been agonizing. He was reported missing on Thursday, and two days later, an unidentified body was found at Mama Lucy Mortuary. The family confirmed that the body was indeed Njuguna’s, their worst fears realized.

According to Njuguna’s mother, Veronica Wanjiku, their last contact with him was on the night of September 2, after which his phone went unanswered. “Since that day, his phone has been off. We have been searching for him, and only yesterday did we find him,” she said.

Police, however, contend that Njuguna was caught by an angry mob in Kayole’s Saika Estate while attempting to steal a motorbike. Officers say Njuguna was found unconscious at the scene and rushed to Mama Lucy Hospital by an unidentified person. The motorbike involved reportedly had no registration number, and its driver allegedly fled the scene.

Witnesses present during the incident have declined to comment, while Njiru Police Commander John Owuoth said, “This person was seriously assaulted by wananchi when he tried to steal a motorbike within Saika stage, and that is the information we have.”

Despite police efforts to piece together the events, Njuguna’s family suspects foul play and continues to demand justice.

The body of Charles Ndung’u Njuguna remains at Mama Lucy Mortuary, awaiting an autopsy and further statements from family members and other persons of interes.