Kirinyaga family decries delayed postmortem on girl shot during protests

Jackline Nyawira, 20, who was shot at Githurai during Sabasaba protests

The family of a 20-year-old woman who was fatally shot in Githurai during the Saba Saba protests is appealing to authorities to facilitate her burial.

Jackline Nyawira reportedly sustained a gunshot wound while standing on a balcony watching demonstrators. She was taken to Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on Tuesday.

Her aunt, Eunice Wanjiru, said the family first saw photos of her circulating on social media as Kenyans sought to identify her following the incident.

“She worked at a cyber café, but it was closed due to the protests. She was shot while observing the demonstrations from a building,” Wanjiru said.

The family claims their efforts to access her body have been unsuccessful, alleging they have been referred from one office to another by hospital management and police.

This, they said, has delayed burial preparations and forced relatives to continue gathering at her parents’ home in Kirinyaga County.

“We want justice for our child. We hope those responsible will be held accountable. Nyawira was young and had her whole life ahead of her,” Wanjiru said.

Mercy Nyawira, a cousin, told journalists the family reported the matter at Kahawa West Police Station and was referred to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations in Kasarani, only to be directed to Githurai Police Station.

“At Githurai, they told us to go back to Kahawa West, where we were given an OB number. The hospital has declined to release her body until a postmortem is conducted, so we are still waiting,” Mercy said.

She added that delays in the postmortem process have prolonged their anguish as they remain unsure when burial arrangements can proceed.

The family is also required to settle a medical bill of Sh96,000 for treatment and Sh22,000 for the postmortem.

Kirinyaga Central MP Gachoki Gitari has promised to assist the family in ensuring the postmortem is expedited so they can lay Nyawira to rest.

Relatives and friends meet at Jackline Nyawira's home in Kirinyaga county