The National Police Service (NPS) has broken its silence following the death of 24-year-old Juliet Wangai Kariuki, who died while in custody at Nanyuki Prison, sparking protests and mounting calls for accountability.
In a statement released Monday, NPS distanced itself from a report published by The Standard newspaper implicating police officers in alleged misconduct related to Wangai’s death. The agency also conveyed its condolences to the bereaved family.
“The attention of the National Police Service has been drawn to a report published in The Standard Newspaper on 14th July 2025 (Page 4), alleging police misconduct. As a Service, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Juliet Wangai Kariuki during this time of profound sorrow,” the statement read.
According to NPS, Wangai was among 126 protesters arrested in Nanyuki during Saba Saba demonstrations on Monday, July 7. She was reportedly in good health when she was arraigned at the Nanyuki Law Courts the following day, where she was charged with malicious damage to property, contrary to Section 339(1) of the Penal Code.
“All the accused, including Juliet Wangai Kariuki, pleaded not guilty and were remanded to Nanyuki Prison or granted the option of a cash bail of Ksh50,000 each,” NPS stated.
The agency confirmed that, as of now, no formal complaints have been filed against police officers alleging misconduct or abuse in connection to Wangai’s death. However, it assured the public that independent investigations would be carried out.
“To date, no formal complaint has been recorded alleging any misconduct, whether by commission or omission. Nevertheless, the relevant agencies will conduct swift, transparent, and credible investigations into the matter, and accountability will follow,” the police service noted.
Public Outrage Mounts
Earlier in the day, residents of Nanyuki, joined by Juliet’s family, staged a protest demanding justice for the young woman. Among the mourners was her grandmother, Susan Kirigo, whose emotional address to the authorities struck a raw chord with demonstrators.
“God in heaven will come for your children. You killed my grandchild for nothing? You killed her with your batons. You will suffer the same fate together with your children,” Kirigo declared, visibly overcome with grief.
Demonstrators marched through the streets carrying placards, chanting Wangai’s name, and calling for accountability. Though the protests remained largely peaceful, tensions escalated as heavily armed police officers closely monitored the crowd.
One protester condemned what she described as a show of force aimed at silencing mourners rather than addressing their concerns.
“We are here to call for justice following Julie’s death, but as you can see behind us, security officers are here to block us from conducting peaceful demonstrations and mourning with the family of those who lost their loved ones,” she said.
“We are seeking justice because if we don’t demand justice collectively, we will all be killed.”
Wangai’s death has ignited renewed scrutiny of Kenya’s handling of protest-related arrests and detention conditions. Human rights groups have also joined the chorus calling for an independent inquest, as pressure mounts on state institutions to explain what happened behind the walls of Nanyuki Prison.
