Jackline Nyawira
Jackline Nyawira (c. 2004 – July 7, 2025) was a young Kenyan woman who was fatally shot while observing the Saba Saba Day protests in Githurai, Nairobi. Her death became a symbol of police brutality during the widespread anti-government demonstrations in Kenya in July 2025.
Background
Jackline Nyawira worked at a cyber-café in Githurai 44, Nairobi. On July 7, 2025, while watching the Saba Saba demonstrations from her apartment balcony, she was shot and later pronounced dead at Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital.
- Family of shot girl angry over delayed postmortem |url=https://www.the-star.co.ke/counties/central/2025-07-14-family-of-shot-girl-angry-over-delayed-postmortem |website=The Star |date=14 July 2025 |access-date=22 July 2025
Death and Aftermath
Jackline's death triggered protests in her home county, Kirinyaga, where residents from Mukithi and surrounding areas blocked roads demanding justice and transparency.
- Protests over police shootings in Kirinyaga |url=https://www.kenyamoja.com/video/protests-over-police-shootings-kirinyaga-citizen-tv-1245600 |website=Kenyamoja |access-date=22 July 2025
Her family reported being referred between multiple police stations and hospitals in Nairobi and Kirinyaga. The body was withheld for days as police demanded KSh 96,000 for treatment and KSh 22,000 for the postmortem.
Jackline Nyawira, had reportedly just graduated just a week before the incident, was fatally shot by police in Githurai 44 during the Saba Saba protests. family attempted to report the incident were twice denied by the Githurai 44 Police Station, which allegedly refused to issue an Occurrence Book (O.B) number, citing jurisdictional limitations. The situation has drawn widespread condemnation, with critics calling it a denial of dignity and justice for the deceased.
Legacy
Jackline Nyawira became one of several young people whose deaths during the July 2025 protests reignited public debate over the use of lethal force by police during demonstrations. Her name appeared alongside other civilian victims in calls for reforms and justice.