Man shot by police during Saba Saba protests dies in Kirinyaga

According to the family, led by his brother Benson Mwangi, James Muriithi, aged 41, passed away at Kenyatta National Hospital.

Mwangi said his brother was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital on Wednesday night  from White Rose private hospital in Mutithi, where he has been in ICU.

He had been transferred to the hospital after a short stay at another facility.

He was taken to KNH by an ambulance after his condition deteriorated, but unfortunately died on Thursday morning at around 12am, Mwangi said.

According to residents of Rukanga village and the surrounding villages  of Mutithi ward, led by Josphat Ngirigacha,  police officers from Makutano police station were shooting aimlessly and three people were victims of the police brutality and were rushed to White Rose private hospital.

"Now Muriithi has died. Two others are still in the hospital with bullet wounds," Ngirigacha said.

During the Saba Saba protest, two  young men from Kutus and Kagu aged 25 and 21 were shot by police officers as they engaged youths who took part in the protests, barricaded major roads and caused mayhem.

Edward Ndambiri, 25, was shot in the head and the bullet exited to the back and was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.

Peter Macharia, 21, died the same day at night at Kerugoya Level 5 hospital, where he was receiving treatment.

According to Edward Ndambiri's brother Emilio Karibu, his brother is said to have been shot on the forehead and he was pronounced dead after he was taken to the hospital.

Peter Macharia's mother, Margaret Wainoi, said  her  son got caught up in the mayhem and was shot and rushed to a nearby dispensary.

He was later transferred to Kerugoya Level 5 hospital where he succumbed to gunshot wounds.

The two families have been left devastated following the death of their loved ones and are calling on the government to ensure that the police officer behind the shooting is arrested and prosecuted.

The families have castigated the police officers for using excessive force on young Kenyans and failing to protect citizens.