Police link Mwatha’s death to botched abortion, nab six suspects

Boniface Kilonzo, a younger brother to the late Human rights activist Caroline Mwatha talks to media at City Mortuary on Tuesday 12th February 2019. [Photo: David Gichuru]

Six suspects have been arrested in connection with the mysterious death of Dandora Human Rights Activist Caroline Mwatha, whose body was found at Nairobi’s City Mortuary on Tuesday.

Statement from Directorate of Criminal Investigations reveals that Mwatha may have died as a result of excessive bleeding inflicted by botched abortion.

It states that their investigation reveals that she was five months pregnant and had been dating Alexander Gitau Gikonya who works at Isiolo County. Alexander is said to have sent money to procure an abortion.

“Further exploitation revealed communications relating to an intended abortion of five-month old pregnancy between said Caroline and Alexander,” reads part of the statement.

It goes on to reveal that duo negotiated with New Njiru Community Centre, a clinic in Dandora Phase I, for Sh 6,000 after which she proceeded to procure an abortion on February 6, 2019.

It further states that the activist died at the facility and her body was later moved to the City Mortuary at 4.42am on February 7, 2019. She was registered under Tag N0 1495 as Carol Mbeki, a false name, statement reveals.

Police have therefore confirmed arrest of six suspects believed to be behind her death and subsequent movement of her body to the mortuary.

They are: Betty Akinyi Nyanya using a nickname Betty Ramoya (owner of clinic), Richard Ramoya Abudo (son to Betty), Georgia Achieng Tabitha, Michael Onchiri alias Dr. Mike, Alexander Gitau Gikonya (boyfriend) and Stephen Maina who is Uber driver.