Admin
- A dramatic abduction attempt targeting a Kware dumpsite volunteer diver was thwarted by Mukuru Kwa Njenga residents.
- The diver, Pastor Wa Vijana, managed to escape after public intervention, though his phone was confiscated by the assailants.
- The Mukuru Community Justice Center condemned the act, accusing the government of intimidation.
On Wednesday morning, members of the Mukuru Kwa Njenga community prevented an attempted abduction of Pastor Wa Vijana, a diver who assisted in recovering bodies from the Kware dumpsite earlier this year. The incident occurred at Kware Rapture Church, where unidentified men, believed to be police officers, tried to forcefully apprehend the volunteer.
Public Intervention and Escape
Eyewitnesses report that the men accosted Pastor Wa Vijana, attempting to abduct him. However, swift action from the public disrupted their efforts, enabling the diver to escape on his motorcycle. His phone was taken during the altercation, raising concerns about continued surveillance and harassment.
Community Outrage
The Mukuru Community Justice Center condemned the abduction attempt as a case of state intimidation and profiling. In a public statement, they decried the treatment of volunteers who stepped up when official bodies failed to act.
“The state should stop profiling, intimidating, and trailing the volunteers who retrieved bodies at Kware. These individuals acted out of love for the country when the government failed,” the statement read.
Context of the Incident
The failed abduction follows the release of Kware The Aftermath, a report by the Mukuru Community Justice Center highlighting police brutality, neglect by authorities, and the lack of psychological support for volunteers involved in the recovery operation.
The Kware dumpsite made headlines in July after bodies were discovered, linked to suspect Collins Jumaisi, who confessed to 42 murders before recanting his statement. Jumaisi escaped custody a month later alongside 12 other inmates and remains at large.
Unresolved Trauma and Intimidation
The diver’s ordeal underscores the challenges faced by volunteers, who not only lack counseling support but also face threats and intimidation. The Justice Center criticized law enforcement’s failure to recapture the main suspect while targeting those who stepped up during the crisis.
The incident raises critical questions about the treatment of community volunteers and accountability within law enforcement. As investigations continue, the Mukuru community remains vigilant, seeking justice and protection for those who courageously served during the tragedy.
