Acting Police IG Douglas Kanja has announced measures to help in investigations of the mutilated bodies retrieved from Kware dumpsite in Mukuru kwa Njenga area in Embakasi, Nairobi County.
Speaking to the press on Sunday, July 14, 2024, Kanja noted that the changes were necessitated by the need to enhance fair and transparent investigations.
The police IG also pointed out that officers are collaborating with other security agencies to conclude investigations within 21 days, assuring Kenyans that the investigations will be transparent.
“To ensure fair and unbiased investigations, I have moved the officers from Kware Police Station, In this difficult time, we stand with the community and we remain committed to uncovering the truth and bringing those responsible to justice,” he stated.
“The police service and I would like to assure the republic that we are committed to conducting transparent thorough and swift investigations. Our department in collaboration with the ODPP are working tirelessly to conclude the investigations within 21 days, furthermore, we are committed to ensuring transparency throughout the postmortem examination process by collaborating with relevant stake holders including the media and civil society. To ensure a fair and unbiased investigation, I have moved the officers from Kware Police Station.”
He also called for patience and calm as the investigations continue and appealed to members of the public to refrain from speculation and give room for investigations.
The police IG has also urged members of the public to volunteer any information that may lead to the arrest of the perpetrators.
“In this difficult time, we stand with the community and we remain committed to uncovering the truth and bringing those responsible to justice. Let’s remember these are lives lost and they have families and loved ones, we, therefore, appeal to members of the public to avoid any speculation and instead give room for investigations, and also collaborate with us by volunteering information so that we bring the perpetrators to book.”
The mutilated bodies were discovered by area residents who called police on Friday, July 13, 2024. At the time, nine bodies were retrieved from the dumpsite
Four more bodies were retrieved on Saturday, July 13, 2024, in an operation led by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officials, a homicide team and the Recce Squad.
Hussein Khalid, a human rights activist stated that the number is expected to rise as local divers indicated that there are more bodies in the pit.
“Presently in Mukuru kwa Njenga assisting with the recovery of bodies. So far four have been retrieved. Local divers are saying there are more in the pit. Sad sad scenes,” Khalid said.