Nanyuki, Kenya – July 11, 2025
What began as a civic protest during the Saba Saba demonstrations in Nanyuki has now turned into a national tragedy, after 22-year-old Julia Njoki died while in police custody — under circumstances that her family and activists are calling both brutal and suspicious.
Julia, fondly known as Julie, was among 106 people arrested in Nanyuki on Monday, July 7, during the youth-led anti-government protests.
She was arraigned in court the following day and returned to police custody — but just hours later, she was found unconscious in her cell and rushed to Nanyuki Teaching and Referral Hospital.
A post from her aunt on Facebook reveals that medical tests show she had been hit in the head and was bleeding internally. This critical condition was met with delays, carelessness, and silence. By the time real help came — it was too late.
According to videos circulating on the internet, 106 people were arrested in Nanyuki, and that some of them had already begun to collapse due to hunger.
The combination of alleged police assault, medical neglect, and denial of basic needs like food and water has sparked national outrage. Human rights organizations have condemned the incident, calling for an immediate and independent investigation.
Online, the hashtag #JusticeForJuliaNjoki has begun trending as Kenyans demand accountability, transparency, and justice for the victims of police abuse.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is under pressure to investigate not only Njoki’s death but also the broader treatment of detainees during the Saba Saba protests.
Source: Facebook[@Grace Rene]
Written by Were Kelly
