Calls for Justice Grow After Woman Dies Inside Kakuzi Farm

There’s been a buzz surrounding the death of Mrs. Agnes Njeri Mwaniki, a 62-year-old woman who passed away while on the premises of Kakuzi company, majority-owned by British shareholders.

The company controls 32,900 acres in Murang’A County, where on April 3, 2024, Mrs. Mwaniki suffered injuries that ultimately led to her death.

Kakuzi has been criticized through rumors and court cases for allegedly perpetrating acts of violence against locals who enter its farm without permission to gather firewood.

It’s in this context that Mrs. Mwaniki’s death has sparked controversy, with residents demanding a thorough investigation to determine if her death could have been prevented.

Among the alleged abuses within the farm are killings, rapes, and injuries, claims that prompted several European retailers to boycott its products in 2020.

However, later strategies were put in place to respect human rights.

A police investigation recorded at the Makuyu station stated that Mrs. Mwaniki had entered Kakuzi’s farm to gather firewood.

An official report released by the Southern Murang’a Police Commander, Mrs. Jane Nyakeruma, stated that Mrs. Mwaniki was hit by a falling tree and sustained injuries from the tree branches.

“In the farm, there were others who were cutting trees using machinery and unfortunately, she was hit by a falling tree in the accident that occurred at five o’clock in the afternoon in Gathungururu village,” she said.

Through that report, Mrs. Nyakeruma stated that Mrs. Mwaniki received treatment for her injuries and was rushed to Makuyu hospital where she received first aid and was later transferred to the private Kenol hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Kakuzi company, in a statement on April 10, 2024, said the woman’s death was due to an accident.

“She was hit by a tree being cut by a contractor who had purchased trees from our farm. Our investigation shows that the woman did not have permission to enter our farm,” the statement signed by Mr. Wilson Odiyo, the employee manager, says.

Mr. Odiyo, the employee manager, said the contractor is cooperating with the police in investigating the death.

Murang’a Senator Mr. Joe Nyutu questions why there were no warnings to passersby about the risk of falling trees and how those involved in the exercise did not remove those at risk of being hit.

“You cannot say that those cutting trees were blind to the extent that they did not see those at risk of being hit. Those participating in an exercise that could endanger public lives must issue warnings and ensure the safety of all those nearby,” Mr. Nyutu said.

An autopsy report released on April 5, 2024, by Dr. Kamotho Watenga stated that the woman’s death was caused by a chest injury inflicted by a blunt object.

Dr. Watenga conducted the autopsy and prepared his report at the Montezuma Monalisa mortuary located in Kabati town.