Man dies after beating by military officer in Umoja, family demands justice

A family in Nairobi's Umoja 1 estate is demanding the arrest of a military officer linked to the death of their kin.

The family alleges that Alphy Migasha was attacked and severely beaten by a military officer identified as Nicholas Ireri Njue.

They accuse the police of failing to take action against the suspect, even after Alphy later succumbed to his injuries.

However, officers at Buruburu Police Station say the next course of action will be determined after an autopsy is conducted.

In a CCTV footage captured on December 22, Alphy is seen seated outside a liquor joint in Nairobi’s Umoja One estate.

Moments later, a man approaches and confronts him. The exchange is brief before the man forcefully pulls Alphy to the ground and begins assaulting him.

The attacker continues to rain blows on Alphy as witnesses attempt to intervene. He then calmly walks away from the scene, leaving Alphy writhing in pain and helpless on the ground.

Alphy’s family says they were alerted and rushed to rescue their kin, taking him to Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital for urgent treatment.

Doctors confirmed he had sustained serious injuries, including fractured ribs, a broken leg, and chest injuries.

He was placed on medication as the family reported the incident to Buruburu Police Station.

Buruburu DCIO Simon Kirui, has confirmed that the suspect is a military officer. He assured the family that police are actively handling the case and are awaiting the autopsy results, which will form a key part of the investigation.

Alphy’s mother, Stella Okinda, said: “Tulienda tukareport kwa police Buruburu tukawapa kila kitu…wametuitisha kila kitu wanataka, lakini hawajatusaidia, mara mwisho walisema wanataka niwaletee kitu…sasa mimi naomba mnisaidie…”

Later, the family identified the attacker as Nicholas Njue Ireri, a military officer and proprietor of the entertainment joint.

The suspect has since been linked to two similar incidents previously reported and is also accused of issuing threats to the family after the attack.

“Alituambia hakuna kitu tutamfanyia na hatumjui, alichukua hadi pesa za huyo kijana wangu na bag yake na akaenda nazo kwa gari yake…aliumia kijana tukapata akiwa chini analia,” added Ms. Okinda.

As fate would have it, Alphy later succumbed to injuries sustained during the beating. His family, now grief-stricken, says it has been left devastated by the loss.

“Sasa mwili wa mtoto wangu uko Mama Lucy…mimi nalia lakini yeye ako hapa anaendelea na biashara…nimeenda kwa polisi, kila mahali sisaidiki, wakenya wooii mnisaidie, mtoto wangu aliuliwa…huyo askari hata polisi wanamjua,” stated Ms. Okinda.

The family has sought the help of Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Mohamed Amin who has since confirmed receiving the complaint.

Amin called on the public to be reporting their cases using the Fichua kwa DCI hotline whenever they face challenges from investigators pursuing their cases.