The family of a 16-year-old Grade 10 learner who was shot dead in Meru County is demanding a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death, amid allegations that a police officer was involved.
Relatives and residents of Majengo estate in Imenti North Constituency have called on detectives to establish what happened to Franklin Munene, who was reportedly shot on Saturday, October 24, 2026.
According to family sources, Munene was returning home near Gitimbine shopping centre when a man believed by some residents to be a plainclothes police officer allegedly shot him at close range.
However, police accounts reported elsewhere describe the attacker as an unidentified gunman, and his identity has not been established.
Following the incident, relatives and residents marched to Meru Police Station to protest the killing and demand justice.
Some protesters alleged that officers attached to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Meru were involved in the shooting. The allegation has not been independently confirmed.
“Our efforts to get any information over the incident have been unfruitful so far. We urge the relevant authorities to intervene and ensure justice prevails. Let the culprits be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” said a resident.
Lawyer questions handling of crime scene
Advocate Kuria Karatu raised concerns over the handling of the crime scene, alleging that officers who visited the area failed to secure it properly.
He also questioned the reported failure to recover spent cartridges and the delay in conducting a post-mortem examination.
“The post-mortem examination had not been done on the deceased’s body. Police officers who visited the scene of crime also failed to secure it properly. The spent cartridges were not recovered by that time,” said the lawyer.
The allegations have raised questions among family members and residents about the progress of investigations.
Separate reports citing police sources indicate that detectives visited and processed the scene and were pursuing an unidentified gunman.
The family has called for a transparent investigation to establish the identity of the shooter and the circumstances leading to Munene’s death.
Family mourns promising learner
Relatives and residents described Munene as an innocent boy with a promising future whose life was cut short before he could realise his educational ambitions.
“Munene was in Grade 10 with a dream of pursuing higher education despite hailing from a humble background. We are appealing to the government to ensure the culprits are brought to book at all costs,” said a resident.
The family wants those found responsible for the killing held accountable under the law.
Munene’s body was taken to the Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary pending a post-mortem examination.
Investigations into the shooting are ongoing, with the family and residents awaiting answers about the circumstances of his death.
Reader Discussion (0)
Sign in to comment