NAIROBI, Kenya, June 17 – A postmortem examination has confirmed that 16-year-old Form Three student Silvester Muigai died from a single gunshot wound to the head during protests that rocked Nanyuki town in Laikipia County on June 9.
The autopsy, conducted by government pathologist Peter Ndegwa on Wednesday, established that the teenager sustained a fatal gunshot wound that caused extensive brain damage, leading to his death.
According to Dr. Ndegwa, the bullet entered above the left eye, passed through the brain, and lodged at the back of the head.
“We have conclusively carried out the autopsy of the deceased, a 17-year-old boy, and established that he was shot in the head with a single bullet,” he said.
“The bullet went through the head and lodged somewhere at the right back of the head. We have recovered it and handed it over to the relevant authorities for ballistic analysis.”
The pathologist said the injury resulted in severe bleeding and destruction of brain tissue.
“There was a lot of bleeding in the brain and destruction of brain tissue as the bullet passed through. The cause of death is head injury due to a single gunshot wound,” he added.
The recovered bullet has since been handed over to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority for ballistic examination as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Muigai, the firstborn in a family of four, had reportedly left home at about 5:30 p.m. on the day of the protests as demonstrators gathered in Nanyuki town. What began as demonstrations later descended into violent clashes between protesters and police officers, with running battles reported in several parts of the town.
It was during the unrest that the teenager was struck by the bullet and is believed to have died at the scene.
Relatives have described Muigai as an innocent bystander who was caught up in the chaos. Earlier accounts indicated that he had been advised not to attend school that day due to disruptions caused by the demonstrations along roads commonly used by students.
The protests were linked to public opposition to a proposed Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base, an issue that has sparked tensions and demonstrations in the area.
The tragedy has been compounded by the circumstances facing Muigai’s family. His mother, Lucy Kagure, a single parent, is still recovering from the loss of her home in a fire late last year and is now appealing for financial and material support following her son’s death.
“I want justice for my child. I am a single mother. Since I lost my son, I have not been able to work or live normally,” she said.
“I was told it was stones, but today the postmortem has shown it was a bullet. I want justice for Sylvester Muigai.”
Through family lawyer Derrick Maingi, the family called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the shooting.
“We call upon IPOA to fully investigate this matter. They have an exhibit to that effect, and we urge them to ensure justice is served to this minor,” Maingi said.
He noted that the recovered bullet could prove crucial in establishing the circumstances of the shooting and identifying those responsible.
“We implore them to carry out proper investigations and prosecute this matter to its logical conclusion. We shall assist them in any way possible,” he added.
Human rights lobby Vocal Africa also called for accountability, saying the findings renewed concerns about the use of force during public demonstrations.
“The postmortem results are very clear. A 17-year-old lost his life as a result of a gunshot wound to the head,” a representative of the organisation said.
The group urged authorities to uphold constitutional rights during protests and ensure those responsible are held accountable.
The case has intensified scrutiny of police conduct during demonstrations in Nanyuki, with rights groups raising concerns over reported injuries, arrests and deaths linked to the protests.
As investigations continue, IPOA is expected to analyse the recovered bullet to determine the firearm used and establish the circumstances that led to Muigai’s death.
The family says it will continue pursuing justice until those responsible are identified and held accountable.
