The National Police Service (NPS) has responded to concerns following the death of 24-year-old Juliet Wangai Kariuki at Nanyuki Prison.
In a statement on Monday, July 14, the agency distanced itself from a report published on The Standard newspaper implicating police officers in alleged misconduct tied to Wangai's case.
NPS also expressed its condolences to Wangai's family following the devastating loss.
"The attention of the National Police Service (NPS) has been drawn to a report published in The Standard Newspaper on 14th July 2025 (Page 4), alleging police misconduct. As a service, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Juliet Wangai Kariuki during this time of profound sorrow," the NPS said.
According to the statement, Wangai was among demonstrators arrested during Saba Saba Day protests in Nanyuki on Monday, July 7.
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The NPS confirmed that Juliet, alongside 125 others, were charged at the Nanyuki Law Courts on Tuesday, July 8.
"The NPS wishes to clarify that, following the Saba Saba protests in Nanyuki Town, 126 protesters were arrested, among them Juliet Wangai Kariuki. The protesters were processed and arraigned at Nanyuki Law Courts in good health on 8th July 2025, charged with the offence of malicious damage to property under Section 339(1) of the Penal Code. All pleaded not guilty and were remanded to Nanyuki Prison or pay a cash bail of fifty thousand shillings each," the statement read.
In the wake of Wangai's death while in detention, NPS has stated that no official report has been filed to accuse police of any wrongdoing.
However, the agency has noted that relevant authorities will conduct investigations into her death.
"To date, no formal complaint has been recorded alleging any misconduct, whether by commission or omission. Nevertheless, the relevant agencies will conduct swift, transparent, and credible investigations into the matter, and accountability will follow," the NPS assured.
Earlier Monday, residents of Nanyuki town, including Wangai's grandmother, Susan Kirigo, poured to the streets to demand justice for the fallen young woman.
"God in heaven will come for your children. You killed my grandchild for nothing? You killed her with your battons. You will suffer the same fate together with your children," Kirigo said in a chilling message to authorities.
Crowds of demonstrators marched through Nanyuki town carrying placards and chanting slogans.
The demonstrations, though largely peaceful, were marked by heightened tension as heavily armed police officers monitored the situation closely.
One protester condemned the intimidating police presence, saying it only added to the community’s anger and grief.
"We are here to call for justice [following Julie's death], but as you can see behind us, security officers are here to block us from conducting peaceful demonstrations and mourning with the family of those who lost their loved ones.
"We are seeking justice because if we don't demand justice collectively, we will all be killed," she said.
