Bodies retrieved from the Kware dumpsite in Mukuru Kwa Njenga Slums/FILE
Human rights groups have called on the government to make public findings on the investigations of mutilated bodies found at Mukuru Kwa Njenga quarry.
This follows investigations into sacks of mutilated bodies found at Mukuru Kwa Njenga quarry in July 2024.
Human Rights Watch and Mukuru Community Social Justice Centre said the inquiry should include allegations of threats and intimidation of Mukuru community members and activists.
According to the rights group, volunteers said they were threatened and forced to stop retrieving 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.
“Kenyan police should promptly and thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the dumping of bodies at the quarry.”
Human Rights Watch and Mukuru Community Social Justice Centre interviewed 21 people, including relatives of victims whose bodies were retrieved from the quarry, activists involved in the retrieval of bodies, one police officer, and Mukuru Kwa Njenga residents.
Researchers also reviewed the autopsy reports of 17 of the bodies retrieved from the quarry and analyzed satellite images of the quarry from mid-June to the end of July.
Mukuru community members claimed they were stopped from retrieving the bodies since July 12, when they retrieved the first six bodies from the water-filled abandoned quarry.
Three of those who volunteered to retrieve the bodies told researchers they still fear for their lives because they are being followed by unknown people.
On July 15, police announced the arrest of Collins Jomaisi, who they said had confessed to killing 42 women, including his wife, and dumped their bodies at the quarry.
However, on July 20, police announced the suspect’s escape from Gigiri Police Station, where he was being held pending further investigations.
“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.
“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,” head of Mukuru Community Social Justice Centre David Anami said.
“He should further ensure that police direct their expertise and resources at ensuring justice for victims of the crimes at the quarry.”
