Tension continues to rise in Likii slum, Nanyuki, as residents demand justice for Julia Njoki, a 24-year-old woman who died under controversial circumstances while in police custody following the July 7 Sabasaba protests. Protests erupted over the weekend after police blocked demonstrators from accessing Nanyuki town, sparking unrest that saw roads barricaded and fires lit in frustration.

Julia Njoki was reportedly arrested while heading home and was among several individuals detained during the protests. Her family says she was taken to Nanyuki Police Station, where she spent the night before being arraigned on charges of malicious damage. Failing to raise a Ksh.50,000 bond, she was held at Nanyuki Women’s Prison remand.

While in custody, Njoki began experiencing severe dizziness, headaches, and stomach pains. She was rushed to Nanyuki Teaching and Referral Hospital, and later transferred to Cottage Hospital for a CT scan. Medical reports indicate she had suffered blunt force trauma to the head—injuries consistent with a violent beating. Despite undergoing surgery, she succumbed to her injuries on July 12 while in the ICU.

Her father, speaking to The Standard, expressed disbelief at the official narrative surrounding her condition, citing inconsistencies and demanding accountability for those responsible. The Kenya Prisons Service confirmed her transfer and complaints but has yet to explain the nature of her injuries.

This incident comes shortly after the death of teacher Albert Ojwang’, who also died from injuries allegedly sustained in police custody—intensifying public scrutiny on law enforcement conduct. A postmortem examination on Njoki’s body is scheduled for Tuesday next week to determine the exact cause of death.

As calls for justice grow louder, the country is once again confronted with pressing questions about police brutality and the protection of human rights during civil unrest.