Fresh revelations have surfaced surrounding the mysterious death of 22-year-old Julia Wangui Njoki, a Gen Z protester who died days after being detained.
While the Kenya Prisons Service and Kenya Police Service continue to deny any wrongdoing, shocking claims have emerged from inmates who were reportedly in custody with her.
According to a Nanyuki town resident who spoke to Standard News, inmates who shared a cell with Julia at the Nanyuki Police Station claim she was struck on the head with a rungu (baton) by police while in custody.
There are reports that after being hit, Julia collapsed but later regained consciousness and informed officers she was feeling unwell. However, these complaints were allegedly ignored.
Dr. Chrisantus Makokha, Head of Communications at the Kenya Prisons Service, confirmed that Julia was admitted to Nanyuki Women’s Prison at 5:20 p.m. on July 8 and was later taken to the hospital that same night after reporting illness.
Julia allegedly said she had been beaten during the Saba Saba protests, though it remains unclear by whom.
Her condition worsened, and she was referred to Nanyuki Teaching and Referral Hospital at 9:10 p.m., before being moved to Cottage Hospital the following day.
A CT scan revealed severe brain hemorrhage. Despite undergoing surgery, Julia passed away on the morning of July 12.
Police insist that Julia was in good health when handed over to prison authorities and note that she did not raise any complaints during her court appearance. Her death remains under investigation.
