The single sharpest fact in one or two punchy sentences. Who did what, where, when, and why it matters. Not a summary of everything — the one thing that makes someone stop scrolling. The death of Brian Ndung'u Njung'e, a 23-year-old man, in police custody at Kiambu Police Station, is under investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).
IPOA has launched investigations into the death of Ndung'u, the fatal shooting of Martin Rigii Karuu in Kiambu, and other protest-related shootings across the country. The authority monitored police operations during demonstrations held on May 18 against hiked fuel prices and their economic impact on Kenyans. Ndung'u was arrested last week in connection with a suspected theft case and placed in custody at about 11am. 'At approximately 11:52 a.m on the same day, the deceased was discovered hanging inside the police cells using a mattress cover,' IPOA said. The authority attended and documented the postmortem examination, which established the cause of death as asphyxia due to neck compression consistent with ligature strangulation. The death was ruled a suicide.
IPOA said a preliminary review of the scene and custody records found no visible external injuries on the body. The authority is also investigating the fatal shooting of Martin Rigii Karuu during protests in the Mburerie area of Kiambu town. Preliminary findings indicate Karuu was among demonstrators when he sustained a gunshot wound at about 1 pm near the Full Gospel Churches of Kenya. A single armed officer, believed to have been dressed in a Kenya Prisons Service uniform, is suspected of being involved in the shooting, said IPOA.
The authority is also examining other protest-related shootings, including an incident in Nakuru. Investigations follow nationwide demonstrations sparked by increased fuel prices. The people of Kenya have been on the streets for days, protesting against the increased fuel prices and their economic impact. Brian Ndung'u Njung'e's family has spoken out about their son's death, saying they are still seeking answers. 'We are waiting for the IPOA to complete their investigations and tell us what really happened to our son,' said Ndung'u's mother. The family has been offered condolences by the Kenya Police Service, who described Ndung'u's death as 'unfortunate.'
Martin Rigii Karuu was a 35-year-old father of two who worked as a teacher at a local school. Karuu was known for his activism in the community and had been part of several protests in the past. His colleagues and friends describe him as a 'dedicated and passionate teacher who always put the needs of his students first.'
IPOA will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Ndung'u's death and Karuu's shooting, along with any other incidents related to the protests. The authority has called on the public to cooperate with the investigations and provide any information that may be relevant. At least four people, including Ndung'u, Karuu, and at least two other unidentified individuals, died in the nationwide demonstrations.
Key Facts
• Brian Ndung'u Njung'e was a 23-year-old man who died in police custody at Kiambu Police Station. • Martin Rigii Karuu was a 35-year-old father of two who was shot during protests in Kiambu town. • At least four people died, including two other unidentified individuals, and several others were injured in the nationwide demonstrations sparked by increased fuel prices. • IPOA is investigating the deaths and shootings, including an incident in Nakuru. • Preliminary findings suggest a single armed officer, believed to have been dressed in a Kenya Prisons Service uniform, was involved in the shooting of Martin Rigii Karuu.