The National Police Service has clarified the circumstances surrounding the death of Ibrahim Mwiti, a young man whose body was discovered at General Kago Hospital Mortuary in Thika after being reported missing for several days.
In a statement issued on Sunday, January 5, 2024, the police dismissed claims that Mwiti was abducted and killed, as alleged by some members of the public. According to the police, Mwiti was fatally knocked down by a hit-and-run vehicle while riding a hired motorcycle near Spur Mall along the Thika Super Highway.
Last Moments of Ibrahim Mwiti
The statement revealed that Mwiti was last seen alive on November 11, 2024, and was reported missing by his mother at Kamukunji Police Station on November 15, 2024.
“The National Police Service has observed with concern unverified media reports alleging that Ibrahim Hilal Mwiti was abducted before his untimely death. Based on our investigations by the DCI, we wish to clarify that Mwiti was last seen alive on November 11, 2024, and reported missing by his mother at Kamukunji Police Station on November 15, 2024, and later at Juja Police Station on November 18, 2024,” read part of the statement.
A missing person circulation was issued on November 22, 2024, by Juja Police Station after initial investigations turned up no leads. Police confirmed that Mwiti’s body was found shortly after midnight on November 12, 2024, by Juja Traffic Police. He had been fatally hit by a vehicle while riding a hired motorcycle, registration number KMFG 807C.
Identification of the Body
The police reported that the body, which had visible head injuries, was initially classified as unknown due to the absence of identification documents at the scene. It was transported to General Kago Hospital Mortuary.
“Fingerprints of the deceased were taken by Juja Traffic Police and submitted to the National Registration Bureau. Results dated November 21, 2024, positively identified the body as that of Ibrahim Hilal Mwiti,” the statement added.
On January 2, 2025, Mwiti’s mother swore an affidavit before Thika Law Courts requesting a waiver for a postmortem examination, citing her religious beliefs. The court granted the request, and the body was released for burial. Mwiti was laid to rest at Lang’ata Muslim Cemetery on January 3, 2025.
Police emphasized that Mwiti’s mother had recorded a formal statement with the DCI on January 4, 2025, confirming that her son was not an activist, addressing speculation around his death.
Gachagua Comments on Abductions
The police statement followed remarks by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who criticized some leaders for downplaying concerns over abductions in the country.
Speaking during a church service at Guardian Angels Tetu Catholic Church in Nyeri Town on Sunday, January 5, 2024, Gachagua condemned dismissive narratives around the disappearance and deaths of youths.
“We urge our leaders to respect Kenyans. It is absurd for some to claim that youths are abducting themselves, killing themselves, and dumping their own bodies. Such remarks are insulting to the intelligence of Kenyans,” Gachagua said.
He further urged authorities to take abduction cases seriously, noting that the recovery of several bodies should be enough evidence to warrant urgent action against extrajudicial killings and abductions.
