Twist as Government Autopsy Proves Majengo Protester Was Shot, Not Stabbed
A recent autopsy has revealed that a man allegedly shot by police during protests in Nairobi’s Majengo area died from a gunshot wound to the stomach, contradicting earlier police reports that he was stabbed.
The postmortem, conducted on Friday, March 7, confirmed that 26-year-old Dennis Muthui was shot at close range with a small-caliber firearm. This directly opposes the National Police Service’s statement, which claimed that Muthui had been stabbed by criminals.
Gunshot Wound Confirmed
Chief government pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor, who led the autopsy, found that the bullet had exploded inside Muthui’s stomach, leaving multiple fragments. Plastic shards and gun pellets were also recovered from his abdomen. Hussein Khalid, the director of human rights organization Haki Africa, confirmed the findings, stating:
“The bullet exploded in the stomach, and they were able to collect pellets from the stomach. At least seven pellets were collected from the remains.”
Eyewitnesses at the scene reported that Muthui was fatally shot on Wednesday morning while protests were underway. They claimed that a police officer fired the shot, hitting him in the stomach, and that he died instantly.
Haki Africa’s Khalid further emphasized that the autopsy disproves police allegations.
“This clearly discounts the allegations that he was stabbed. This confirms that he was shot and killed. According to eyewitnesses, the person who killed him identified himself as a police officer.”
Authorities Launch Investigation
Despite these findings, the National Police Service initially claimed that Muthui’s death resulted from a stabbing. His body was later transferred to Nairobi City Mortuary.
Following the autopsy results, the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) launched an investigation into the incident. Police officials have since interdicted the officer believed to have fired the fatal shot.
Muthui’s family is now demanding justice and accountability, calling on authorities to take swift action against those responsible.
Protests and Rising Death Toll
Muthui’s death occurred during violent demonstrations that erupted in Majengo following the police shooting of 17-year-old Ibrahim Ramadhan on March 4, 2025. Reports indicate that between two and three people lost their lives during the unrest, with several others sustaining injuries.
The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) confirmed two deaths, including Muthui’s. However, conflicting reports suggest that a third person may have also died from gunshot wounds. KHRC further reported that police allegedly removed one of the bodies from the scene, and its whereabouts remain unknown.
The number of injured protesters also varies across reports. KHRC documented eight individuals with gunshot wounds, six of whom were admitted to Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital. Meanwhile, the Kenya Red Cross reported treating 37 casualties, with two critically injured individuals being transferred to Kenyatta National Hospital and one to Pumwani Maternity Hospital.
As investigations continue, human rights groups and Muthui’s family are urging the authorities to ensure transparency and justice in the case.
In Other News: Caleb Amisi Defends Raila, Calls for Youth to Take Charge: “Let Baba Rest”
Twist as Government Autopsy Proves Majengo Protester Was Shot, Not Stabbed
