Prominent journalist-turned-politician Tony Gachoka joined human rights activists in condemning the tragic death of 24-year-old Julia Njoki on Sunday July 13,2025 at Nairobi, who died under suspicious circumstances in custody following her arrest during the Sabasaba protests on July 7.
Gachoka, who recently announced his candidacy for Nairobi Governor in the 2027 elections with KANU, affirmed his commitment to justice and public accountability on civil rights.
“This cannot be swept under the carpet,” he emphasized.
“As a society, we demand answers and transparency.”
Njoki, described by local activists as a “poet, advocate and voice of the youth,” was arrested amid mass protests against governance and police brutality.
She was initially booked at Nanyuki Police Station but, after failing to raise bail, set at KSh 50,000, she was remanded at Nanyuki Women’s Prison.
Reports from residents and family say she was beaten in custody and left unattended despite pleading ill.
She fell gravely ill, and although finally taken to Nanyuki Cottage Hospital, she died shortly after her arrival on July 11 .
While police maintain she died in prison after falling ill, not in a police cell, activists contest the account, citing eyewitness and family testimony to the contrary .
At the press’s briefing, activists representing local and national civil society groups called for an independent investigation and the prosecution of responsible officers.
One speaker, Grace Rene, recounted: “She was beaten with a blunt object… told the police she was not feeling well, but they neglected her.”
Nanyuki residents have vowed mass protests starting July 15 if authorities fail to act swiftly .
Gachoka, who recently joined KANU and declared his gubernatorial ambitions, used the platform to draw connections between political accountability and human rights.
Known for his bold stances, such as legal actions against the controversial JKIA-Adani PPP deal, Gachoka has built a reputation for challenging entrenched power .
“Public figures cannot remain silent when young lives are lost in custody,” he declared.
Gachoka announced support for legal challenges to ensure transparency and said he intends to use his platform to advocate for systemic reforms to bail laws and custodial oversight.
The Sabasaba protests, driven by youth discontent over economic hardship, corruption, and police overreach, have already claimed other lives, among them Albert Ojwang,fueling a nationwide outcry .
Civil society organizations such as the Kenya Human Rights Commission have likened Njoki’s death to custodial torture, highlighting a pattern of unchecked violence in detention settings .
A former top aide to Raila Odinga, Gachoka rose to prominence in media as the host of KTN’s “Point Blank” talk show and once served as Chief of Protocol in the Prime Minister’s office .
He has since shifted to active politics, recently joining KANU and announcing his bid for governor .
He also took leadership in challenging the JKIA concession agreement,filing a court petition over alleged opacity in the Adani PPP deal and previously fought political marginalization as a disabled rights advocate when excluded from party lists .
With protests looming and a press briefing marking a turning point, the release of an official autopsy, disclosure of bail records, and suspension of implicated officers will likely determine whether the state responds or suppresses dissent.
Gachoka has pledged ongoing oversight and legal advocacy as part of his campaign platform.
“Democracy isn’t just about ballots,” he said.
“It’s about the dignity and safety of every Kenyan.”
For Njoki’s family and grieving youth, today’s words may mark the start of real accountability, or the next point of failure.
