The victims, identified as 29-year-old James Muraga Maina and 45-year-old Daniel Nudhu Njoki, died under disturbing circumstances that investigators say point to a deliberate and violent attack rather than a lawful arrest.
Police investigators have named a senior Administration Police officer, a police sergeant, and the farm owner as prime suspects in the killings, which occurred on Sunday, February 1, 2026.
According to preliminary findings, the two men allegedly trespassed onto a maize farm in Kahawa West, where they were confronted by the farm owner before police officers were called to the scene.
Accounts from witnesses and family members indicate the situation quickly escalated, with the suspects allegedly subjected to a severe beating after being apprehended.
Nyumba Kumi elder Bernard Wanguru told mourners that James Muraga was later taken to a police station in critical condition before officers were advised to rush him to hospital.
“He was taken to Kenyatta National Hospital, but doctors pronounced him dead on arrival,” Wanguru said, raising questions about the delay in seeking urgent medical care.
Postmortem examinations have since revealed chilling details surrounding the deaths, deepening public outrage and calls for accountability.
Family representative Agnes Nthenya Mutisya said the autopsy confirmed both men suffered head injuries from blunt force trauma and multiple soft tissue injuries consistent with sustained assault.
She added that the victims were allegedly forced to swallow approximately one litre of uncooked maize mixed with red and green chilli peppers, a finding that shocked grieving relatives.
Vocal Africa CEO and human rights activist Hussein Khalid said undigested whole maize and pilipili found in their stomachs suggested the men died shortly after being forced to ingest the food.
The families, joined by IPOA officials, lawyers, and activists, gathered to demand justice and the immediate arrest of all those involved in the incident.
The case has also opened the door to fresh allegations against the same officer, with construction worker Francis Nzau claiming he was previously assaulted under similar circumstances.
Family lawyer Andrew Ndichu emphasized that the Constitution guarantees the right to life, warning that police officers are not above the law and must be held accountable for abuses.
As investigations continue, pressure is mounting on authorities to ensure justice for James and Daniel, and to address broader concerns about police brutality and extrajudicial killings.
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