NPS Breaks Silence Following Death of Pregnant Woman Allegedly Thrown from Police Vehicle in Mwea

The National Police Service (NPS) has broken its silence after a pregnant woman died in Mwea, Kirinyaga County, following an alleged incident involving a police vehicle.

Catherine Njeru died after she was allegedly thrown from a moving police vehicle in Mugamba Ciura village, while her husband, Anthony Muturi Mugweru, sustained serious injuries.

“The National Police Service (NPS) headquarters has been notified of a distressing incident in which the body of a pregnant woman was discovered by the roadside along the Piai–Itangi Murram Road early this morning. Preliminary observations revealed visible injuries to her head and hip. The deceased has been identified as Catherine Njeru,” the statement read.

The incident sparked protests in the area as residents demanded justice and called for investigations into Njeru’s death.

NPS Orders Probe Into Woman Death

Following the incident, the NPS said its leadership had received updates and directed investigators to establish what happened.

“The Inspector General of the National Police Service (IG-NPS) has been kept briefed on this heinous crime and has directed the Director of Criminal Investigations to expedite the investigation and establish the facts,” NPS said.

Additionally, the NPS condoled with Njeru’s family, relatives and friends and pledged to ensure that investigators establish responsibility.

“The NPS condoles with the family, relatives, and friends of the deceased and commits to expeditious and conclusive investigations to ensure that any person or persons responsible for this barbaric crime are brought to justice,” the Service stated.

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Husband Recounts Final Journey With Pregnant Wife

According to Njeru’s husband, the couple travelled early in the morning to tend to their miraa farm before accepting a lift from a police vehicle.

Muturi alleged that the officers later demanded Ksh 1,000 from the couple after offering them the ride, triggering a confrontation inside the vehicle.

He further alleged that the officers pushed his pregnant wife out of the speeding vehicle, causing her fatal injuries.

Muturi also disputed claims that another vehicle hit his wife, maintaining that the police vehicle caused the incident.

“Walikuwa wanasema ati ni gari imemgonga, nikasema si gari ni serikali ya Gitangi wakiwa na gari aina ya Mahindra hiyo gari inakimbia sana,” he said.

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Residents Demand Justice

Meanwhile, residents claimed that police officers from Wang’uru Police Station had previously demanded money from members of the public in exchange for lifts.

As a result, residents have called for investigators to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine what happened before and during the journey.

Later, authorities moved Njeru’s body to the Embu Hospital Mortuary, while medical workers treated her husband for serious injuries.

As the investigation continues, the NPS urged residents to remain calm and asked anyone with information to assist detectives.

“The public and residents of Itangi are urged to remain calm and refrain from speculation while supporting the investigators. Anyone with information regarding this murder is asked to report to the nearest police station or a law enforcement officer, or via the toll-free numbers 999, 911, or anonymously via #FichuaKwaDCI on 0800 722 203 or WhatsApp 0709 570 000,” NPS said.

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Photo of a police Vehicle. PHOTO/ NPS