Calls for justice grow over Mukuru Kwa Njenga mutilated bodies

Human rights organizations are urging authorities to release findings from an investigation into mutilated bodies discovered in sacks at Mukuru kwa Njenga quarry in July 2024.

They argue that families of the victims and the affected community remain in distress due to the lack of answers.

Human Rights Watch and the Mukuru Community Social Justice Centre are calling for the report to address claims that activists and residents encountered threats and intimidation while trying to recover 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 groups conducted interviews with 21 individuals, including victims' relatives, activists, police officers, 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.

Residents said efforts to recover more bodies were blocked after six were retrieved from the water-filled quarry on July 12, 2024.

Volunteers involved in the process say they now fear for their safety, with three reporting being followed by unknown individuals.

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

However, five days later, authorities reported he had escaped from Gigiri Police Station, where he was being held.

“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 urged the government to protect those who stepped in to recover 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.