Pregnant woman dies after alleged fall from moving police vehicle in Kirinyaga
A pregnant woman and her unborn baby have died in Kirinyaga County after she was allegedly thrown from a moving police vehicle, in an incident that has sparked anger among residents and prompted investigations by the National Police Service.
The woman, identified as Catherine Njeru, died early Friday morning along the Piai Itangi Murram road in Mwea East,where police found her body with visible injuries to her head and hip. The National Police Service is treating the death as a suspected murder and has directed detectives to establish what happened.
According to her husband, Anthony Muturi Mugweru,the couple was travelling to their farm at around 2 a.m. when a police vehicle stopped and offered them a lift. Muturi said they accepted the ride, but alleged that when they reached their destination, the officers refused to let them alight and demanded Ksh .1000 as payment.
Muturi says that an argument followed after the couple said they did not have the money. He alleges that he was pushed from the moving vehicle and injured before the officers drove on with his wife. He further claims Catherine was later thrown from the vehicle.
Catherine died at the scene, while Muturi sustained injuries to his hands and legs and was taken to hospital for treatment. He was later discharged, according to reports.
The incident sparked anger in Mugamba Ciura Village, with residents blocking the Piai South Ngariama road and demanding justice. Some residents also alleged that the same officers had previously offered people lifts and demanded money afterwards. One resident, Alfred Muthomi, claimed he had previously been asked for ksh.500 after being given a lift. These claims have not yet been independently established.
Central Region Deputy Police Commander David Wambua said investigations were underway and that officers found culpable would face action, including possible interdiction.
The NPS has said investigators from the Kirinyaga County Directorate of Criminal Investigations,local police and the Central Regional Police Command are working to establish the circumstances surrounding Catherine’s death. The service has urged residents to remain calm and avoid speculation while the investigation continues.
By Gogo Nicolies
