JKUAT Denzel Omondi student drowned, autopsy shows

Third-year JKUAT student Denzel Omondi. [File, Standard]

Denzel Omondi, a third-year student at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), who went missing during the anti-finance Bill protests in Nairobi, died by drowning, according to a postmortem report released today.

Pathologists conducting autopsy at Thika-based General Kago Funeral Home established that Omondi, 23, had bruises on the back of his head and legs.

Although the pathologists did not address journalists, Amnesty International Kenya Executive Director Irungu Houghton confirmed that Omondi's body was discovered on July 6, 2024, floating in the deserted Mashinani quarries in Juja.

This discovery has raised questions about the circumstances surrounding his death.

Omondi, a third-year Quantity Survey student, was last seen protesting at the National Assembly on June 25.

He was seen at the university the following day but disappeared on June 27

According to James Otieno who is Omondi's father, he spoke to his son last on June 27 in the morning but his phone went off later in the day, which he thought was normal.

He would later receive distressing calls informing him about the disappearance of his son, information that elicited apprehension in his family.

"Denzel was my first born with a promising future, if I can recall his academic performance, my son had a bright future so I don't see why he was not left to continue his studies," Omondi said.

While demanding justice for his son, Otieno called on the government to put an end, enforce disappearances and abductions and allow the youth to freely express their feelings without being intimidated.

Distraught, Jedidah Otieno, the mother of Omondi who could not control her tears, called on the government to protect the rights of youth saying they are fighting for the rights and betterment of Kenya.

"My son promised to do many things for us as parents, I urge the government to protect the rights of Gen Zs as they are fighting for the rights of every person in this country," Mrs Omondi said.

Apollo Mboya, an advocate who is also Omondi's cousin revealed that the family will conduct further investigations to unravel the mystery of their kin's death.

"We demand a credible investigation that is independent, and thorough to reveal and prosecute whoever contributed to the death of Omondi," Mboya stated.

He at the same time called on the independent Policing Authority (IPOA) to identify police officers suspected of using excessive force.

In a press statement released by Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, the management consoled the family following the untimely death of their son.

"We wish to confirm that Denzel Omondi Onyango is a JKUAT student in the Department of Construction Management, College of Architecture and Building Sciences and was not due for graduation since he was in his third year of study and with pending exam issues from his second year of study," the statement read.

Management appealed for called for calm as students plan to hold a peaceful demonstration at the university's main gate today.