Autopsy reveals man arrested by KFS officers collecting firewood was beaten to death
Autopsy reveals man arrested by KFS officers collecting firewood was beaten to death
Activists are demanding answers over the death of 42-year-old David Munene Mwaniki, who died in hospital days after being arrested by KFS officers in Kerugoya.
A post-mortem indicates he suffered severe brain bleeding consistent with blunt force trauma. He was taken to hospital a day after his arrest, following a court order.
David Munene Mwaniki, 42, a resident of Nyangithuci village in Kirinyaga County, was arrested by forest officers inside Mt. Kenya forest on March 30, 2026, where he had gone to collect firewood. It is alleged that he was brutally assaulted before being booked at Kerugoya Police Station.
“Alishikwa pale kwa muchina kama anaingia, the police called Dennis, akamshika akampeleka akamkatisha, hakuwa amekata, then after that akampiga then akableed,” Fredrick Gachoki, family of the deceased, stated.
Appearing in court the following day, David raised his hand and told the magistrate he had been struck on the head and was in intense pain. The court promptly ordered that he be given immediate medical attention.
Doctors at Kerugoya Level 5 Hospital confirmed internal bleeding following a head scan. They recommended admission to the ICU, but with no intensive care unit available, his family rushed him to Embu Level 5 Hospital.
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Days later, the family received the devastating news that David had died.
A post-mortem conducted by government pathologist Dr Peter Ndegwa revealed multiple injuries consistent with a violent assault.
The report detailed extensive brain bleeding and severe contusions. Human rights representatives were present during the autopsy.
“Tumeona ako na majera mengi sana nyuma, miguu, mikono, kichwa, mingi na zote zinatokana na kifaa butu, something blunt. Kwanza ya brain ya kichwa amebleed sana, so ni multiple injuries, ni kama alipata kichapo cha mbwa kama ni kupigwa,” Peter Ndegwa, government pathologist, noted.
David’s death has sparked public outrage, with activists and residents demanding answers. They are questioning how a man in state custody could sustain fatal injuries and who will ultimately be held accountable.
“This is so unfortunate that state officials are the ones who kill innocent civilians. This is not just one case that has been witnessed in the country whereby a state officer has killed a civilian. We are here with the parents to seek justice. We will be here with the family to help understand together with investigating officer on how David died,” Raskil Oyugi, activist, Vocal Afrika, highlighted.
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