A postmortem examination conducted on the body of 17-year-old Sylvester Muigai has confirmed that the Form Three student at Thingithu Secondary School in Nanyuki died after sustaining a single gunshot wound to the head during protests against a proposed Ebola quarantine facility in Nanyuki.

According to a report from the examination that was carried out by government pathologist Dr Peter Ndegwa on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, Muigai died after sustaining a gunshot wound to the head. The report detailed the trajectory and severity of the injury that led to the teenager’s death.

“We have conclusively carried out the autopsy of the deceased, a 17-year-old boy, and established that he was shot in the head with a single bullet,” Dr Ndegwa said.

The government pathologist explained that the bullet entered just above the left eye, passed through the brain, and lodged at the back of the head.

“The bullet went through the head and lodged somewhere at the right back of the head. We have recovered it and handed it over to the relevant authorities for ballistic analysis,” he said.

Dr Ndegwa further noted that the injury caused extensive internal damage.

“There was a lot of bleeding in the brain and destruction of brain tissue as the bullet passed through. The cause of death is head injury due to a single gunshot wound,” he added.

The bullet recovered from the body has since been handed over to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) for further ballistic examination as investigations into the shooting continue.

Family calls for intensive investigation

The family of the deceased, through their lawyer, Derrick Maingi, called for a full and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killing.

“We call upon IPOA to fully investigate this matter. They have an exhibit to that effect, and we urge them to ensure justice is served to this minor,” Maingi said.

He added that the recovered bullet could play a key role in establishing what happened during the demonstrations and identifying those responsible.

Maingi also urged investigative agencies to conclude the matter expeditiously and ensure accountability.

“We implore them to carry out proper investigations and prosecute this matter to its logical conclusion. We shall assist them in any way possible,” he said.

Right groups demand justice

Human rights organisation Vocal Africa also weighed in on the postmortem findings, saying the case highlights renewed concerns over the use of force during public demonstrations.

“The postmortem results are very clear. A 17-year-old lost his life as a result of a gunshot wound to the head,” a representative of the organisation said.

The group called for accountability and respect for constitutional rights during protests.

“We are calling for accountability. The right to protest is protected under the Constitution, and law enforcement must ensure that this right is respected at all times,” the organisation added.

The mother of the deceased, Lucy Kagure, said she was devastated by the confirmation that her son had died from a gunshot wound, adding that conflicting information given to the family earlier had worsened their pain.

“I want justice for my child. I am a single mother. Since I lost my son, I have not been able to work or live normally,” she said.

“I was told it was stones, but today the postmortem has shown it was a bullet. I want justice for Sylvester Muigai,” she added.

Kagure described her son as a young student with a future ahead of him, saying his death had left a painful void in the family.

The case has intensified public attention on the handling of protests in Nanyuki, where residents have been demonstrating against the proposed Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base.

Vocal Africa and other rights groups have previously raised concerns over injuries, arrests, and deaths linked to the demonstrations, calling for independent investigations into the conduct of security officers.

As investigations continue, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is expected to analyse the recovered bullet as part of efforts to determine the firearm used and the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

The family advocate,Derrick Maingi has said the family will continue to push for justice until those responsible are held to account.