Authorities have opened a murder investigation following the death of pilot Kelvin Wachira, who suffered a fatal head injury caused by blunt force trauma.
Wachira was discovered unconscious near the entrance of Nairobi West Prison along Lang’ata Road on July 19 and was admitted to Mbagathi Hospital in critical condition. He passed away the next day while receiving treatment.
According to police reports, Wachira had visited the officers’ mess inside Nairobi West Prison at around 3 pm on the day he was found. He was reportedly there to drink with friends when an altercation erupted between him and several individuals.
A waiter then escorted Wachira to his white Mercedes-Benz, which was parked within the prison compound. Investigators believe he exited the vehicle under unclear circumstances before being found unconscious outside the prison gate by a Prison Headquarters officer heading home.
The pilot's vehicle remained inside the prison compound after the incident and was later moved to a local police station for further examination.
An autopsy conducted on July 22 at Kenyatta University Funeral Home, in the presence of police officers, confirmed that Wachira’s injuries were consistent with blunt force trauma to the head. The pathologist advised the family to involve the police due to the suspicious nature of the injuries.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Lang’ata has taken over the case, conducting witness interviews, reviewing security footage, and visiting the scene to gather evidence. No arrests have been made so far.
Wachira was the son of a senior engineer at the Ministry of Roads and Transport. He is remembered by friends and colleagues as a jovial and hardworking pilot. His burial is scheduled for Tuesday, July 28, at the family home.
Police continue to follow multiple leads as they investigate the circumstances surrounding the altercation and the events leading to Wachira's death.
