Denzel Omondi, a third-year Quantity Survey student at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), who went missing during the anti-Finance Bill protests in Nairobi, has been confirmed to have died by drowning, according to a postmortem report.
Pathologists at the Thika-based General Kago funeral home discovered bruises on the back of Omondi’s head and legs during the autopsy, raising further questions about the circumstances surrounding his death. While the pathologists did not address the media, Amnesty International Kenya Executive Director Irungu Houghton reported that Omondi’s body was found on July 6, 2024, floating in the deserted Mashinani quarries in Juja.
Omondi, 23, was last seen participating in protests at the National Assembly on June 25. He was spotted at the university the next day but disappeared on June 27. His father, James Otieno, last spoke to him on the morning of June 27. Later that day, Omondi’s phone went off, which his father initially thought was ordinary. However, distressing calls about his son’s disappearance soon followed, causing apprehension within the family.
James Otieno has since demanded justice for his son, urging the government to address enforced disappearances and abductions. He emphasized the importance of allowing youth to criticize leaders constructively for social-economic development.
Omondi’s mother, Jedidah Otieno, tearfully called on the government to protect the rights of the younger generation, emphasizing their role in fighting for the betterment of Kenya.
Apollo Mboya, an advocate and Omondi’s cousin, revealed that the family intends to conduct further investigations to uncover the truth behind Omondi’s death. Irungu Houghton also demanded a credible, independent, and thorough investigation to prosecute those responsible for Omondi’s death.
Irungu urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to identify and hold accountable any police officers suspected of using excessive force during the protests.
The tragic death of Denzel Omondi has intensified calls for justice and accountability, highlighting ongoing concerns about the treatment of protesters and the protection of human rights in Kenya.
