Rights groups fear cover-up in Mukuru kwa Njenga mass deaths

Human rights groups are demanding the release of findings from an investigation into mutilated bodies found in sacks at Mukuru kwa Njenga quarry in July 2024.

They say the government has not provided any answers, leaving families of the victims and the community in distress.

Human Rights Watch and the Mukuru Community Social Justice Centre insist the report should address claims that activists and community members faced threats and intimidation when trying to retrieve the bodies.

"Eight months later, the authorities have taken no steps to alleviate fears and concerns of community members and relatives of missing people that the authorities are determined to cover up the truth about what happened to the victims and who is responsible," a statement released on Monday reads in part.

The two organisations interviewed 21 people, including relatives of the victims, activists involved in retrieving the bodies, a police officer, and local residents.

They also reviewed post-mortem reports for 17 victims and examined satellite images of the site from mid-June to late July.

Community members reported being blocked from recovering more bodies after six were retrieved from the water-filled quarry on July 12, 2024.

Three volunteers who had helped in the process said they now live in fear, claiming they are being followed by unknown people.

On July 15, police announced the arrest of Collins Jomaisi, saying he had confessed to killing 42 women, including his wife, and dumping their bodies at the quarry.

However, five days later, authorities reported that the suspect had escaped from Gigiri Police Station, where he was being held for further investigations.

“Kenyan authorities should do everything within their powers to ensure justice for the relatives of victims whose bodies were discovered at the quarry, including ensuring that any bodies or body parts that remain there are quickly retrieved and identified,” the statement read.

Mukuru Community Social Justice Centre head David Anami called for the protection of those who stepped in to retrieve the bodies.

“President William Ruto should ensure that volunteers who stepped in to retrieve bodies when police were unwilling to do so are not threatened, harassed, or abducted for simply performing their civic duty as good citizens,” he said.

“He should further ensure that police direct their expertise and resources at ensuring justice for victims of the crimes at the quarry,” Anami added.

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• Rights groups fear cover-up in Mukuru kwa Njenga mass deaths
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