The family of Denzel Omondi, a protester who died under mysterious circumstances during the recent anti-government demonstrations, is demanding answers after disputing autopsy results showing that its son died by drowning.
Denzel, a 24-year-old university student, was among the thousands of protestors who stormed the Parliament premises on June 25.
He later went viral after a video of himself inside the Parliament was posted on his social media platforms.
According to reports, the third year Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) student was last seen at the University premises on June 26.
However, tragedy struck the very next day when Denzel went missing on June 27, prompting the family to launch a search into his whereabouts.
After a week-long search, his lifeless body was subsequently discovered at a quarry in Juja, Kiambu County.
Also Read: Autopsy Report Reveals What Killed JKUAT Student Found Dumped in Quarry
While investigators have stated that the autopsy revealed Denzel died by drowning, his grief-stricken family is not convinced.
The family said they were distraught to receive the call informing them of their son’s tragic death
Family of Denzel Omondi Rejects the Autopsy Report
Denzel’s father, James Otieno, while speaking to the media said he spoke to his son just hours before he disappeared on June 27.
“We want the investigative agencies to unravel and tell us what really caused this, because I spoke to this boy three hours before he went missing and he was in a good mood, he never indicated that there was something wrong,”added Denzel’s father.
“We need to have the truth why did he die? what caused the death that’s what we need to know, we won’t rest until those facts have been declared to us.”
The mother, on the other hand, expressed her grief at the loss of her firstborn son. While addressing the media, she described Denzel as a promising young man whose future was cut short leaving the family with more questions than answers.
“He was promising, and we used to talk a lot, he promised to do so many things in our home but unfortunately fate got to him before he could fulfill his dreams,” said the mother.
The family and human rights organizations have called for a thorough and independent investigation to uncover the truth behind Denzel’s death.
Amnesty International
Amnesty International Kenya had earlier issued a statement also expressing dissatisfaction with the autopsy results, noting that Denzel’s body had bruises that need further investigation.
“Juja Postmortem reveals Denzel Omondi died by drowning; bruises need further investigation.”
“We demand a credible independent investigation to reveal and prosecute who abducted, killed and dumped #OccupyCBD protester Denzel Omondi in a quarry to hide their crime,” read the statement in part.
Also Read: Kindiki Gives Way Foward on Abductions During Protests
Amnesty International Kenya Executive Director Irungu Houghton who had been at the forefront of the case raised concerns over the alarming rise in cases of abductions in the country.
“The abductions of people who are vocal in this protest by police are only providing conditions for chaos and mayhem.”
“Denzel Omondi was abducted a week ago but has been found dead in a quarry and the question we need to ask is if he is the only one or if there are others,” said Irungu.
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