Thika Teachers Demand Police Explanation On The Cause Of Death Of Colleague.

Thika KNUT Secretary Joe Mungai addressing the press next to Thika Stadium where John Njuguna was shot dead. Looking on is the branch chairman John Kuria (in glasses), Thika BEC Member Mr. Gakuha and other colleagues.

Thika teachers are demanding for a comprehensive explanation of the cause and circumstances that led to the death of their colleague, John Njuguna Mwangi who was allegedly shot dead 9 days ago during the launch of Kikuyu Gospel singer Muigai Wa Njoroge’s latest album at Thika Stadium.

Thika KNUT Executive Secretary Joe Mungai Ngige, speaking on behalf of the teachers, lamented that even after raising the matter to the relevant authorities and IPOA, no tangible developments had been forthcoming.

“It is now 8 days since we lost one of our colleagues under very unfortunate circumstances. Until now, the police have not apprehended his killers nor given us an explanation of how all this happened. We are demanding to know from the police if the bullet emanated from their gun or from a civilian. We are denouncing earlier reports that stated that the deceased was a thug. We are therefore gathered here at the spot our brother lost his life to cry out for his justice and to remind the police that his family, colleagues and pupils are waiting for answers,” said Mungai.

He warned that, as KNUT, they will pursue this matter to its very end, even if it demanded them to call for mass action.

Mungai chided local politicians who fueled violence in the intention of scaring away their opponents that their days were numbered.

“Thika teachers will not sit back and watch politicians incite the youth into violence and hooliganism. None of them is there where we the common wananchi are being shot dead, maimed and even mugged. Last time we saw that they sped off with their guzzlers leaving behind the residents to be clobbered by the police and suffer the effects of teargas. We are watching you and promise you that 2017, you will have to answer for your violent past,” he said.

Branch chairman John Kuria expressed their bitterness adding that it was very unfortunate that a life was lost in the name of politics.

“How does anyone use a live bullet towards an unarmed civilian? This is very serious and we are very bitter with the authorities for not apprehending the culprit.” Said Kuria.

The teachers gathered Monday morning at the spot Njuguna laid unattended even though he was bleeding profusely until he lost the battle for his life. They laid flowers and lit some candles as they reviewed the good times they had together.  

The deceased was a teacher at Thika Barracks Primary School. He is survived with a widow and two kids all of whom are below 12 years.

His remains will laid to rest on Wednesday the 16^th November 2016 at their rural home in Embu County.