A Village in Gatundu South Confronts Tragedy and Alleged Police Misconduct
A village in Gatundu South has been thrown into turmoil following the death of a 30-year-old man, Paul Njuguna, who died in police custody just hours after being arrested for alleged possession of bhang. The incident has sparked widespread outrage among residents, who claim that the police were responsible for his death through excessive force and misconduct.
What Happened Before the Death?
Eyewitnesses have provided harrowing accounts of the events leading up to Njuguna’s death. According to reports, Njuguna was allegedly beaten and strangled by officers during and after his arrest. Locals claimed he was paraded through the market while being assaulted, causing alarm among traders and passersby.
“He wasn’t even walking—he was being dragged through the air,” said James Karanja, a Kiganjo resident. “I had to call elders, women, and boda boda riders to witness how they had left him lying there.”
Another resident, Patrick Njoroge, recounted the shock of seeing Njuguna being beaten in public. “They took our man through the entire market, beating him until women were screaming. When we got to the station, we were told he was no longer there,” he said.
Veronica Waruguru added that the officers started to assault Njuguna immediately after apprehending him. She recalled seeing him tied from behind, not the front.
The situation escalated when angry residents stormed the local police station demanding answers. Tensions flared as some attempted to set the station ablaze, prompting law enforcement to disperse the crowd.
Protesters accused the police of corruption and excessive force, claiming such incidents have become common at the station.
“They would’ve said our boy disappeared and was found dead somewhere. We’d be told it was thugs, not security. But it’s the very people meant to protect us who are killing us,” Karanja lamented.
Njoroge questioned the justification for the alleged violence, stating, “Even if he had a weapon, did he deserve to be beaten to death? What kind of justice is that?”
What Caused Paul Njuguna’s Death?
In response to the allegations, Gatundu South Deputy County Commissioner Rose Chege denied claims of police brutality. She stated that Njuguna died after choking on bhang he allegedly tried to swallow to conceal evidence.
“The postmortem revealed that he had wrapped bhang in nylon paper and swallowed it before being searched. It choked him, and the intact package was recovered—it remains an exhibit,” Chege explained.
Despite the official explanation, Chege cautioned police officers against using excessive force during arrests and urged them to uphold the law and respect human rights.
The incident came amid growing cases of police brutality and alleged murders in their custody.
