Three pathologists jointly performed a joint autopsy at the General Kago morgue in Thika, and the results indicate that three of the four men who mysteriously died at the Thika River near the Del Monte pineapple farm drowned.
Nevertheless, the postmortem examination has also revealed that although two bodies had numerous injuries to their heads, necks, and other body parts, these wounds were insufficient to account for their deaths.
Pathologist Benard Midiya, who was employed by the victims' families, stated that although it was a significant discovery that would support inquiries, they were unable to determine with certainty how the physical wounds on the bodies originated.
"We had a number of injuries that involved the head, parts of the neck, and they are of various sizes and designs, and they will be documented in detail in the required official format, and they will assist in further investigations," he told Citizen Digital.
Did you read this?
Pathologist Geoffrey Mutuma, who was representing Del Monte, seemed to minimize the injuries that were discovered on the bodies, claiming that they were too small and superficial to have resulted in any deaths.
"Of course, the injuries were not that serious because what we look for is injuries that can be able to incapacitate somebody," he said.
The Kenya National Commission for Human Rights (KNCHR) chief of investigations, Kamanda Mucheke, softened his comments by emphasizing that no injuries should go unnoticed.
Kamanda stated that preliminary findings from the KNCHR's investigations suggest that security guards from Del Monte attacked the four men prior to forcing them into the river.
"We have spoken to some of the eyewitnesses, and the injuries we have seen today are consistent with the eyewitnesses' accounts that these people were beaten by Del Monte guards. Another fact we have established is that these people were already subdued... that they were being pushed into the river as they were beaten by the guards," he highlighted.
When reached for comment, Del Monte Kenya stated they would make an official announcement as soon as they have all the information.
The departed victims' families demanded justice and requested that the investigation proceed more quickly.
Three bodies have been identified: Mbae Mulumbi, age 21; Bernard Mutua, age 22; and Francis Muimi, age 34. The identity of the fourth body is still unknown.
The four are said to have been robbing the Del Monte farm in Thika of pineapples before being apprehended and attacked by the guards on December 21, 2023.
On Christmas Eve, their bodies were found in the Thika River.
