A postmortem examination conducted on the body of 48-year-old Catherine Mwende Njeri from Mugamba Ciura in Murinduko Ward, Kirinyaga County, who was allegedly thrown out from a moving police vehicle, has revealed that she died from multiple injuries sustained on the head, chest, and limbs.
The autopsy, conducted on Wednesday afternoon at Embu Level Five Hospital Morgue by Pathologist Dr. Peter Ndegwa, revealed that findings were consistent with injuries that could have been sustained from a fall from a moving vehicle, corroborating the family’s account of how the mother of three met her death on October 2.
The postmortem comes as the family of Catherine continues to demand justice, accusing police officers of being responsible for her death.
Her husband, Anthony Muturi, who also sustained injuries during the incident, said they had on the fateful day accepted a lift from officers attached to Itangi Police Station as they were heading to their farm at around 3 am.
Muturi said they were offered a lift by the officers and willingly accepted, but upon reaching their destination, the officers demanded a Sh1,000 bribe before allowing them to alight.
He said an argument ensued when it became apparent they could not pay, and one of the officers riding in the back of the police Land Cruiser shoved him out of the moving vehicle, leaving him with hand and leg injuries.
Muturi said his wife, Catherine, was thrown out several meters ahead and suffered fatal injuries that led to her death.
The incident later sparked demonstrations from locals who demanded speedy investigations and accountability, insisting that those responsible must face justice.
Human Rights Activist Hussein Khalid, the CEO of Vocal Africa who was present during the postmortem, condemned the incident, describing the alleged actions as unacceptable and calling for accountability.
Khalid questioned why police officers would offer members of the public a lift and allegedly later demand payment, saying any allegations of mistreatment should be fully investigated.
The family is now awaiting justice as investigations into the circumstances surrounding Catherine’s death continue.
By Samuel Waititu
