Azimio la Umoja Coalition Leader, Raila Odinga, has expressed profound sorrow following the harrowing discovery of several mutilated bodies at the Kware dumpsite in Mukuru kwa Njenga slums on Friday.
The disturbing find, which included several female bodies in various stages of decomposition, has sparked widespread concern across Kenya. The proximity of the dumpsite to Kware Police Station has only heightened public anxiety. Protests erupted at the police station after the discovery, prompting police to fire warning shots to disperse the angry Mukuru residents.
“It’s a sad and dark moment for Kenya. What we have witnessed in Mukuru Kwa Njenga pains me deeply,” Raila said in a statement on social media platform X. He extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and urged the police to expedite their investigations to identify those responsible.
“To the families who have lost loved ones, accept my deepest condolences,” he added.
Odinga called for swift justice, emphasizing the need for accountability. “The perpetrators of these and other heinous acts must face the full force of the law immediately. The people of Kenya demand accountability,” he stated.
Homicide detectives have taken over the investigation. Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin reported that six bodies were retrieved from the dumpsite, a former quarry. The bodies, wrapped in nylon and reinforced with ropes, have been moved to City Mortuary for post-mortem examinations. Preliminary investigations suggest a similar mode of killing for the victims.
“Homicide detectives and officers from the Forensics Division of the DCI are currently analyzing samples to identify the bodies. The area has been cordoned off and designated as a crime scene as the investigation continues,” said Amin.
In response, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga has ordered Acting Police Inspector General Douglas Kanja Kirocho to initiate prompt investigations. The DPP has given Kirocho 21 days to submit a report, stressing the seriousness of the crime given its proximity to the police station.
“The ODPP is deeply concerned with these reports, which point to a grave violation of human rights, considering that the said dumpsite is only a few meters away from the police station,” stated the DPP.
“Pursuant to Article 154 (4) of the constitution, the DPP has directed that the Office of the Inspector General of the National Police Service conduct a thorough investigation and forward the resultant file for perusal within 21 days.”
This tragic incident has cast a spotlight on the urgent need for rigorous law enforcement and the protection of human rights in Kenya.