Student gunned down as Elburgon residents protest murder of mechanic
Ms Caroline Bitutu holds photos of her son Glen Riechi, 15, who was killed by a police bullet during protests in Elburgon Town on Friday, March 14, 2025.
Barely two months after the murder of activist Richard Otieno gripped the nation, an Elburgon mechanic died in a similar, gruesome manner.
The killing of Godfrey Ngugi, 23, who went missing on March 9, sparked protests at the weekend, leading to the shooting of a Form Three student. Two families are now mourning the loss of their loved ones. Elburgon residents took to the streets of Elburgon town to protest against the mysterious death of Ngugi, aka FB, whose body was discovered days after he went missing. His family had been searching for him since his disappearance on March 9.
Youths protest the killing of a mechanic in Elburgon Town, Nakuru County, on March 14, 2025.
The mechanic's body was found in the Molo River, a few metres from Elburgon town. The unrest, which lasted more than two hours, saw residents clash with the police, hurling rocks and attempting to damage the Elburgon Police Station, which they stormed and termed a crime scene.
To disperse the protesters, riot police officers reportedly fired live bullets and tear gas and one bullet struck and killed Form Three student Glen Riechi from Elburgon DEB Secondary School. Glen succumbed to his gunshot wound on the spot.
The residents were angered by the growing insecurity in the area, months after the murder of activist Otieno. They demanded justice for the family of the mechanic.
Police officers lob teargas canisters as they engage youths in running battles during protests after a man's body was found dumped in a river in Elburgon, Nakuru County on March 14, 2025.
“It is barely two months since we buried Richard Otieno, and now we have another death. The horrific part is that he was killed and thrown behind the police station. What is happening in Elburgon? Where are we heading to?” James Kimani, a resident, said.
The student's body was abandoned by the roadside for hours before the police collected it and took it to the Molo Sub-County Hospital mortuary. The families of the Form Three student and the mechanic have demanded justice. Molo MP Kimani Kuria condemned the killings and called for swift investigations.
"I woke up as usual and went to the farm some kilometres away from the home. At around 2.50pm, I received a call from one of my friends that my son had been shot during the protests. l have lost my son to a police bullet, and l demand justice for my son," said Ms Caroline Bitutu, the mother.
During an interview with the Nation at the family's home in Jerusalem village in the outskirts of Elburgon town, Ms Bitutu, 47 said that she did not know her son was among the protesters.
"My son was a humble and hardworking student in school. I will miss him greatly, he was my jewel. Glen, was named after my father, Mr Henry Riechi, a retired Elburgon OCS. He used to say that he would also love to become a policeman like his grandfather after school," she said.
Mr Antony Githu,25, Glen's elder brother, also termed the death as unfortunate and called for justice.
"We call for speedy investigations into the shooting. I want justice for my brother and I want those who were involved to be answerable. My brother was humble, social and friendly to everyone and respected us all," said Githu.
Mr John Njihia, Glen's father, said a team from Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) visited their home on Saturday afternoon and recorded statements after interrogating some members of the family.
Molo MP Kuria Kimani condemned the killings and asked IPOA and the police to conduct a speedy probe into the events that unfolded and led to the deaths of the student and the mechanic.
Police officers engage youths in running battles during protests after a man's body was found dumped into a river in Elburgon, Nakuru County on March 14, 2025.
"The incidents are unfortunate and against the principle of peaceful coexistence among members of society. I have reached out to the relevant authorities, asking them to carry out a quick and thorough investigation into what happened," MP Kimani ordered.
However, the MP has advised the residents to refrain from taking matters into their own hands.
'While we demand swift and thorough investigations to bring the perpetrators to justice, I strongly urge members of the public to refrain from taking the law into their own hands. Acts of mob justice, however justified they may seem in the heat of the moment, only breed further violence and lawlessness," the MP advised.
He asked the residents to remain calm and allow the investigation to unfold without interference.
The two bodies were moved to the Molo Sub-County Hospital mortuary.