Nakuru family seeks justice after kin shot twice by police

The family of Daniel Nderitu, a Nakuru resident who was allegedly shot by police officers in the London area of Nakuru West, moments after a confrontation between police and residents ensued, has come forward to condemn what they call an unjust killing of their loved one.

Preparations for the burial of the 47-year-old are underway at his home in London, three days after he was caught up in a confrontation between police and suspects. The family says he was shot twice.

“Police walikuja na Hilton na double cabin, wakashika kijana wakasema ako na bhangi. Kijana alipojaribu kuresist, alipigwa risasi kwa mgongo. Wakamfungua pingu, wakapiga risasi juu... akapigwa kifua na hapa chini,” said a resident, Patrick Kariuki.

Nderitu, who relied on mining jobs to sustain his family, was the breadwinner. He leaves behind a grieving family and four young children.

“Alikuwa mzima kabisa. In 2023 alimpoteza bibi, alafu mtoto wake akafariki mwaka uliopita. Serikali waache kutumaliza…hakuwa amefanya makosa yoyote,” Nderitu’s sister Zipporah Njeri said.

Nderitu’s brother Patrick Mwangi added, “Hakuwa na shida na mtu yeyote. Tunataka tu haki itendeke.”

A contingent of security officers patrolled the London area for the better part of the day to prevent protesters demanding justice for Nderitu’s death from holding demonstrations.

For two consecutive days, police and demonstrators have engaged in running battles. Businesses in the area have been disrupted, with some vandalised during the protests.

“Hatujakuwa na amani. Kama mkaazi, ni kuuwawa kwa mwenzetu. Wanasema ni stray bullet, lakini maisha ya mwenzetu imepotea,” a resident, Isaac Sambili, said.

Another, Josephat Kipkosgei, added, “Hakuna kazi ilikuwa inafanyika. Kila mtu alikuwa na tension. Watu wa bodaboda walikuwa wanaenda nyumbani…wanaogopa. Vijana wanasema, ‘Unabeba nani na sisi tunaomboleza?”

Four witnesses have since recorded statements with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), as the family seeks answers and accountability over the events that led to Nderitu’s death.