Shadrack Muriira from Kilindo in Tigania Central, Meru County, had lived a normal life until June 27, 2025, when a nurse from Mikinduri Level Four Hospital allegedly had him arrested on suspicion of miraa theft.
What began as an ordinary day turned into a nightmare when the nurse allegedly injected Muriira with an unknown substance in his scrotum, reportedly saying he was “terminating a generation of thieves”.
The 18-year-old recounts that around noon, while walking toward Kilindo shopping centre near his home, three men accosted him and forcibly bundled him into a vehicle.
“They told me I was under arrest for stealing miraa belonging to a nurse. As they pinned me down, they called the man who arrived in his car and said they were taking me to Miciimikuru Police Post,” Muriira said in an interview from his home, where he is recovering in pain.
However, instead of heading to the police post—about 3.5 kilometres away—they drove to the nurse's home.
“The nurse said he wanted to teach me a lesson. The men forced me into the house and the complainant came with a syringe filled with a reddish substance. They undressed me and the nurse injected me in the testicles. I passed out from the pain,” he recounted.
When Muriira regained consciousness, he found himself in a police cell at the Miciimikuru Police Post, where he remained for two days.
Despite informing the police that he had been injected with a mysterious substance in his private parts, they allegedly failed to take any action.
“When I told them what had happened, one officer slapped me and threw me back into the cell. I was released on Sunday after the complainant failed to press charges,” Muriira said.
He later sought treatment at Muthara Level Four Hospital, but his condition remains critical. His private parts are still swollen and blood continues to ooze from the wound caused by the injection.
“I cannot sleep at night because of the pain. I need justice,” he pleaded.
Medical records seen by Nation indicate a swollen epididymis and testicle. However, medics say they have not yet determined the nature of the injected substance.
Festus Kaberia, Muriira’s brother-in-law, accused the police of gross negligence in handling the case.
“It is unfortunate that even after he told the police he was injected with a substance, they did nothing. We reported the matter at Mikinduri Police Station on July 2, but the suspects are still free,” said Mr Kaberia.
Muriira’s sister, Jane Kananu, said her brother is a law-abiding citizen who has never been involved in crime. She urged the police and the Judiciary to ensure justice is served.
Tigania Central Police Commander Florence Mbithe said the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) had completed investigations and forwarded the file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for action.
According to Ms Mbithe, two other suspects have also recorded statements, in addition to the nurse accused of administering the injection.
“The DCI has recommended that the suspects be charged with grievous bodily harm—an offence that carries a possible life sentence,” she said.
