Autopsy confirms Nanyuki teen killed by gunshot during anti-Ebola facility protests

Autopsy confirms Nanyuki teen killed by gunshot during anti-Ebola facility protests

Government pathologist Peter Ndegwa said the bullet entered above the left eye, passed through the brain and lodged at the back of the head, causing severe internal injuries.

An autopsy has confirmed that 17-year-old Form Three student Sylvester Muigai Ndung’u died from a single gunshot wound to the head during protests in Nanyuki town, Laikipia County, on June 9, as investigations into the circumstances of his death continue.
Government pathologist Peter Ndegwa, who conducted the postmortem examination on Wednesday, said the bullet entered above the left eye, passed through the brain and lodged at the back of the head, causing severe internal injuries.
“The cause of death is head injuries due to a single gunshot,” he said, adding that the projectile did not exit the skull and was recovered during the examination before being handed over to investigators for ballistic analysis.
He said the injury caused extensive bleeding in the brain and significant destruction of brain tissue as the bullet travelled through the skull. According to him, the projectile appeared to have been fired from a pistol, although final confirmation will be made through ballistic testing.
Muigai was among residents caught up in protests that broke out in Nanyuki town over opposition to a proposed Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base. The demonstrations, which had initially been planned as a peaceful march to deliver a petition, later turned violent after police blocked access to the site, leading to clashes between officers and protesters.
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Witnesses said demonstrators were dispersed using tear gas and water cannons, while others erected roadblocks and lit bonfires in parts of the town as unrest spread.
Muigai reportedly left home on the day of the protests to collect his school uniform from an aunt, but was later caught in the chaos.
His mother, Lucy Kagure, later found his body at a Nanyuki mortuary, where it had been recorded as that of an unidentified male.
The incident has added to growing concern over the use of force during public demonstrations, with human rights organisations calling for accountability and a thorough investigation into the shooting.

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