Kin want justice for inmate murdered at Naivasha GK Prison

The deceased’s father David Gitahi Nduro and mother Mary Njeri address the media after the postmortem examination in June 2019. [File, Standard]

The family of the 36-year-old inmate who was allegedly beaten to death by warders at the Naivasha GK Prison, two months ago, wants the culprits charged.

The family noted that a report by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) had proven that their son, Simon Nduro Gitahi, was tortured to death.

The inmate, who was serving a life sentence, died on June 15 after he was allegedly beaten by some warders for allegedly failing to queue for food. 

The warders are said to have been infuriated when they found him sitting down instead of queuing.

Gitahi is said to have decided to rest because the queue was long.

Two officers incriminated in the incident have been interdicted by the Prison, while the officer in charge of the penal institution Mathew Mutisya was recalled to the headquarters.

The family wants the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to prosecute the officers implicated in the murder.

Pathologist’s report

The deceased’s father David Gitahi Nduro said it was upon the Government agency to take up the matter.

“We are asking the DPP and the DCI to take up the issue and charge the officers,” said Mr Nduro.

He said the Prison department had taken him in circles since his son died, adding that the family was yet to come to terms with the death.

“I thank KNCHR, and the pathologist who was very open and candid that my son was tortured to death by the warders,” he said.

According to the KNCHR report, some warders and inmates were interviewed, with details emerging that the victim was ruthlessly beaten and later locked up in a segregation room.

“After being assaulted, the inmate was taken to the segregation block without being given medical attention and he died at the Prison and not on his way to hospital as it was alleged by the officers,” reads the report in part.