18 years later, Kirinyaga mother cries for justice after losing six sons to mob justice

Wangithi, who lives in Kahiro Village in Ndia, Kirinyaga County, said she still hopes to reunite with her eldest son, David Mwangi, who disappeared following the killings in 2008.

Wangithi and her late husband, Njando Githuru, had eight children: David Mwangi, James Maina, Peris Wangeci, John Mugo, Peter Wamugungunda, Joram Gichira, Douglas Ngungi and Simon Ngaca.

According to the family, six of the sons were killed by mobs in 2008 after being accused by local residents of involvement in theft and other criminal activities. The family's only daughter, Peris Wangeci, is married and lives in Thanju Village, Ndia.

At the family's homestead, six graves belonging to the deceased brothers stand side by side.

Wangithi said she has received reports over the years that David Mwangi has been seen in Nairobi, although the family has not had direct contact with him.

“If I can see him while I am still alive, I will be at peace,” she said.

She also recalled the death of her husband, who died two months after their son John Mugo was killed.

According to Wangithi, her husband struggled to cope with the loss of their son.

Peris Wangeci Githinji said the deaths of her brothers occurred within a short period and had a lasting impact on the family.

“I was the only girl among seven brothers. Losing them was very difficult for the family,” she said.

She said Joram Gichira was killed while travelling to attend a burial, while Peter Wamugungunda was killed in Sagana.

Peris also said her eldest brother, David Mwangi, disappeared after the death of the family's youngest son, Simon Ngaca, and has not returned home since.

The family maintains that some of the brothers had changed their lives before the incidents occurred. Peris further alleged that factors other than criminal allegations may have contributed to the events leading to their deaths, including a land dispute. The claim could not be independently verified.

Some residents interviewed offered a different account, saying the brothers had been associated with insecurity in the area at the time.

“The village was not safe when the brothers were alive,” one resident said.

The deaths left behind several widows and children.

Catherine Wamutira Mugo, whose husband John Mugo was killed on August 15, 2008, said she has since raised their five children as a single parent.

“I remained here after my husband's death and have continued to support our children,” she said.

According to family members, only John Mugo and Simon Ngaca received formal burial ceremonies, while the other four were buried in smaller ceremonies attended by a limited number of people.

Years after the killings, Wangithi and her relatives say incidents of crime and theft continue to be reported in the area.

As she reflected on the events, Wangithi said the loss of her sons remains a source of pain for the family and that she continues to hope for answers regarding the circumstances surrounding their deaths.