A family in Nairobi is seeking justice following the death of 44-year-old Maureen Nduku, who died after sustaining gunshot injuries during a police operation in Gikomba.
The family says they want the officer linked to the shooting to be held accountable and are calling for a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to her death.
Nduku was shot on Monday, August 3, when police officers from Shauri Moyo Police Station responded to reports of a robbery and unrest in the busy Gikomba area. According to Vocal Africa CEO Hussein Khalid and members of Nduku’s family, she was caught in the incident while heading to the market.
After being injured, Nduku was taken to Kenyatta National Hospital, where she received treatment but later died. Her death has left her relatives struggling to come to terms with the loss, with the family questioning how a routine police response ended with the loss of an innocent life.
A neighbour who spoke about the incident said the family only learnt about the shooting after being informed that Nduku had been taken to hospital.
The neighbour explained that they were shocked to discover that she had been injured by a bullet during the police operation.
The family has called on the government to ensure justice is served, saying that an apology from the officer involved cannot replace the need for accountability. They want the authorities to take action and establish what happened during the incident.
Nduku’s sister-in-law, Damaris Kieti, raised concerns over the way police officers use firearms during public operations. She questioned whether officers are properly trained on how to handle situations in crowded areas without putting civilians at risk.
Vocal Africa said the shooting happened as police responded to an alleged robbery where a group of young men had reportedly blocked a footbridge and attacked traders and members of the public.
Officers from Shauri Moyo Police Station were deployed to restore order and fired shots during the operation, according to accounts shared by witnesses and the family.
Khalid said Nduku was among those hit during the police response. He added that a 16-year-old boy identified as Abdala was also injured after being struck by the same bullet. The teenager was taken to Kenyatta National Hospital, where he was receiving treatment.
Vocal Africa has called on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to conduct a quick and transparent investigation into the shooting. The organisation said the case highlights the need for accountability whenever police officers use firearms during operations involving members of the public.
Nduku’s death, they continue to demand answers and action, insisting that those responsible must face the consequences if investigations find that the shooting was unjustified.