Kirinyaga brothers allegedly lynched by Nyumba Kumi buried as leaders seek justice
Emotions ran high at Kiamanyeki village in Mwea, Kirinyaga County as two brothers who were allegedly killed by Nyumba Kumi were finally laid to rest. Joseph Ndung’u and Kennedy Gitau were brutally murdered on Sunday night, 5th February 2023, and their bodies were lynched by Gategi Nyumba Kumi as they were responding to a distress call at around 2 am.
The burial ceremony was conducted by Rev. Peter Muthii of ACK St. James Ngurubani Church. Kirinyaga Woman Representative, Jane Njeri, and Kirinyaga Deputy Governor, David Wachira Githanda, led the leaders who demanded justice for the two brothers.
Woman Rep Njeri said she had been following the case in Embu court and from the Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithuri Kindiki. “So far, Embu County investigating officer has been transferred for interfering with the case as inquest continues to know who killed the two Kiamanyeki brothers,” Njeri said.
Kirinyaga Deputy Governor Githanda said he will join the Kirinyaga Woman Representative to see justice is done. “I have been a prosecutor for over 30 years, and I know the suspect will be arrested and prosecuted,” Githanda said.
County Assembly of Kirinyaga led by the Majority Leader Daniel Muriithi Kibinga and the Speaker Julius Muteti said justice must be done. “We wonder how the Nyumba Kumi can kill their neighbor, yet we share the same resources,” Baragwi MCA David Mathenge said.
The burial of the two brothers was initially stopped six weeks ago, as angry mourners demanded justice. On 11th February 2023, residents refused to allow the burial of the two brothers to take place and took the body to Wanguru police station, demanding justice, and abandoned the caskets at Wanguru police station despite being tear-gassed.
The angry residents were led by Kirinyaga Senator James Kamau Murango, who on 11th February 2023, expressed disappointment that no security officer was present at the burial. The bodies of the two brothers were kept in a mortuary until today, 26th March 2023, when they were finally laid to rest.
The heinous act has left the residents of Kiamanyeki and the surrounding villages in grief. The leaders have vowed to ensure that justice is served, and the perpetrators are brought to book.