The young woman died under suspicious circumstances just days after she was arrested and held in police custody.
Julia was arrested on Monday, July 7, while walking home after the Saba Saba Day protests.
According to her family and witnesses, she was in good health when police officers picked her up.
However, only a few days later, her lifeless body was taken to the hospital — raising serious questions about what happened while she was in custody.
Residents claim Julia was beaten by police officers while in the cells.
“She was hit with a blunt object. She collapsed and told them she was in pain, but they ignored her,” one resident said during a press briefing.
"By the time she got to the hospital, it was too late. She could not talk or move. She died in pain."
Julia spent the night in police custody and was arraigned in court the following day. The court granted her release on a Ksh50,000 bond, but her family was unable to raise the money quickly. As a result, she was remanded at Nanyuki GK Prison.
It is believed that she was badly injured while in remand. Her condition worsened until she was rushed to Nanyuki Teaching and Referral Hospital. Sadly, she passed away shortly after arriving.
Her family is now demanding answers, and the entire town is backing them.
“This is not just about Julia. It's about how our police treat ordinary people. It's about justice,” said a protest organizer.
But the anger does not end there.
Residents are also mourning the death of Thomas Gachara, a Form Three student who was allegedly shot dead by a police officer during the Saba Saba protests.
A video shared on social media shows a police officer aiming and shooting at a young man believed to be Thomas. He falls to the ground instantly and does not move again.
“These are our children,” said a grieving mother.
“We send them to school and expect them to come home safe. Instead, they’re being killed.”
Nanyuki residents say they are tired of being silent. The planned protest on Tuesday is their way of demanding answers and showing the government that enough is enough.
They want an independent investigation into both deaths and action taken against any officers found responsible.
They are also calling on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and human rights groups to get involved.
“This is no longer about politics,” one protestor said.
“It’s about human life. Julia’s life mattered. Thomas’ life mattered. We must not allow such deaths to continue.”
Residents are urging others across the country to stand in solidarity with them and to speak out against police violence.
The government has not yet given a clear statement about Julia’s death. Meanwhile, the people of Nanyuki say they will take to the streets if no action is taken.
Hello, my name is Yoruba. I'm a 25 year old self-employed blogger from the Africa.
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