TIGANIA, MERU COUNTY –
A man from Meru County is fighting for his life after he was allegedly attacked and injected with a poisonous substance in his private parts. The horrifying incident, which took place in Tigania, has stunned residents and sparked calls for justice.
Shadrack Muriira, the victim, says he was ambushed by three men who accused him of stealing miraa (khat) from their farm. According to his statement, the men stripped him naked and forced an injection into his genitals, claiming they were “sterilising” him as punishment.
“I begged them to stop, but they held me down. One of them said I shouldn’t have children if I was a thief,” Muriira told local reporters from his hospital bed, clearly in pain.
The attack reportedly took place earlier this month. Muriira says he lost consciousness and later woke up at a police station, bleeding and in severe pain. His family rushed him to hospital, where he remains under treatment. His condition is said to be serious, with swelling, internal injuries, and difficulty urinating.
“We don’t understand how anyone can do such a thing,” said Muriira’s brother, visibly shaken. “My brother is in agony. All we want is justice.”
Local police confirmed receiving a report and said investigations are ongoing. However, no arrests have been made yet. One of the alleged attackers is said to be a local health worker—an accusation that has alarmed many in the community.
“If someone trained to save lives is involved, that’s deeply worrying,” said a resident who asked not to be named. “We’re afraid even to go to hospital now.”
Human rights groups have condemned the act, calling for swift legal action and medical support for the victim. “This is a gross violation of human dignity and bodily integrity,” said a spokesperson for a local rights organisation. “The perpetrators must be held accountable, regardless of their status.”
Health authorities in Meru have not issued a formal response. The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council is yet to comment on the claims involving a medical professional.
Miraa farming is a common source of income in Tigania, but tensions over theft have occasionally led to violent confrontations. However, community elders say this level of brutality is unprecedented.
“This was cruel and inhumane,” said one elder. “Even if someone is suspected of theft, there are proper ways to handle it—not torture.”
As Shadrack Muriira continues to recover, his family is pleading for help—from the government, law enforcement, and human rights defenders. They say justice is the only thing that can bring peace.
“This should not happen to anyone else,” said his brother. “No one deserves this.”
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