In a shocking development, human remains concealed in green sacks have been discovered at the Kware dumpsite near Mukuru Kwa Njenga slum in Nairobi, Kenya. The gruesome discoveries, made by local human rights activists including the Mukuru Community Justice Center, has sent shockwaves through the community and raised alarming questions about potential extrajudicial killings.
The discovery is particularly chilling due to the state of the remains. According to eyewitness reports, some of the bodies had been dismembered, suggesting a deliberate attempt to conceal identities and hinder investigations. The Mukuru Community Justice Center shared disturbing details on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
In a statement, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations said,
“Preliminary investigations suggest a similar mode of killing for the deceased. The bodies have been transported to the City Mortuary, where they await postmortem examinations.”
This gruesome discovery comes at a time of heightened tension in Kenya, following recent protests against the controversial Finance Bill. These demonstrations resulted in over 40 fatalities, sparking debates about police brutality and the use of excessive force.
Mysterious Disappearances
The timing of the dumpsite discovery has led many to speculate about a possible connection to the wave of mysterious disappearances and abductions reported across the country in recent weeks. Police have been accused of forced disappearances even after the High Court of Kenya imposed strict limitations on police conduct during protests.
Adding to the growing unrest, students at Jomo Kenyatta University for Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) recently held peaceful demonstrations following the mysterious death of one of their own.
Denzel Omondi, a third-year student, was found dead in a Juja swamp just two days after participating in the anti-Finance Bill protests.
The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, with his last known whereabouts being the Parliament grounds on June 25, 2024, where he had joined other demonstrators.
IPOA Public Appeal for Information
In response to the mounting cases of disappearances, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has issued a public appeal for information. IPOA Chairperson Ann Makori stated:
“IPOA appeals for eyewitness accounts from any person who may have information on the disappearances and any other complaint.”
Makori revealed that the agency has registered ten complaints related to these incidents, which are at various stages of investigation. Notably, eight of the reported victims have been found alive, but with allegations of harassment and torture.
The IPOA has faced challenges in accessing these survivors and has reiterated its call for victims and witnesses to come forward and provide statements to expedite investigations.
The National Police Service (NPS) finds itself under intense scrutiny, facing accusations of involvement in these unlawful activities. The Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome, resigned following intense pressure on the police service.
