Delayed justice: Five years later, Kianjokoma trial drags on

Five years after the deaths of Kianjokoma brothers Benson Njiiru and Emmanuel Mutura, allegedly at the hands of police officers attached to Manyatta Police Station in Embu County, their family says justice remains elusive as the court case continues to drag on.

The six police officers charged over the deaths were arrested and arraigned in court. Still, the family says only nine of the expected 25 witnesses have testified, raising fears that the case could take years to conclude.

On Saturday, family members, friends and residents gathered at the brothers' graves during an emotional memorial service marking five years since the deaths that sparked nationwide outrage in August 2021.

The family says the prolonged legal process has deepened their pain, with some relatives developing health complications following the tragedy.

"Mkakuja kwa nyumba yetu magonjwa ni mengi, pressure, diabetes, nyuma ya hiyo mama yetu alipata mshtuko wa moyo, tulizika watu watatu mwaka huo," said relative Jackline Gichuki.

Although six police officers were charged in connection with the deaths, the family says progress in the trial has slowed significantly after a series of judicial transfers and repeated adjournments.

"The first year all was well, the second year was well, come the third year things went south, the presiding judge was transferred, we had several mentions that went on for two years. During the fourth year we were given the fourth presiding judge," said the brothers' father, Ndwiga Kamunyoti.

Relatives say every court appearance has forced them to relive the painful events surrounding the deaths of the two brothers.

"Government, police msitufanyie hivo, we are human and you are human. The only mistake, and it was not even a mistake, is a brother going back to a brother," said cousin Junice Wanjiru.

Family spokesperson Felix Nthiga appealed for justice, saying the family has endured years of anguish while waiting for the case to be concluded.

"We have been crying for the last five years and nothing can be done for this to be behind our backs. May justice be our shield and defender, whether poor, rich, old or young. That is what we want to see being done," he said.

The family is now calling on the Judiciary to fast-track the case, arguing that continued delays amount to a denial of justice.

"We want justice for Ben and Emmanuel, hakuna kitu ingine tunataka," said Jackline Gichuki.

Kamunyoti expressed concern that the pace of the trial could see the matter take more than a decade to conclude.

"There has been very many adjournments and the waiting is very painful. I remember when the Chief Justice talked about cases in court and the duration they should take, she talked about three years. Bearing in mind there are about 25 witnesses, we have only done nine witnesses and at this pace this case will be concluded probably after 15 years," he said.

Five years after burying their sons, the family's search for justice continues, with every adjourned court session reopening wounds they say have never healed.