The sun in Willie Kimani's life set, but his spirit lives on to guide his family, friends and activists in their quest to ensure justice and equality prevail.
During the commemoration of the Mavoko III held at Sarova Stanley on Friday, June 23, his children dedicated their lives to pushing for reforms against extrajudicial killings by joining the police force.
Willie Kimani was murdered alongside his client Josephat Mwendwa and their driver Joseph Muiruri in June 2016 in an incident that caused shockwaves across the nation. It was also a turning point for the justice system in Kenya.
Hannah Wanjiku, his wife, while speaking at the commemoration organised by the International Justice Mission (IJM) and other stakeholders, disclosed that her two sons desired to pursue careers in the justice and law enforcement sectors.
The two minors were inspired by the stories about their father, who was abducted, tortured, and murdered while defending, Mwendwa, a boda boda rider, against police brutality in June 2016.
"The firstborn says that when he grows up, he wants to become a policeman who will keep law and order and protect property without endangering society.
"His brother would like to become an investigator to ensure justice is served to victims and their families," Wanjiku stated, emphasising that her children revered their father.
According to Willie Kimani's wife, the lastborn had consistently reiterated his desire to serve in the National Police Service despite the risks and challenges associated with the profession.
She explained there is no reason why the two boys would be discouraged or stopped from their aspirations by anyone.
Hannah expressed confidence that her two sons would be great police officers, who would treat people fairly and keep law and order.
"The young boy has insisted on becoming an investigator since he was four years old," Hannah said, noting that her children had grown into very responsible young men who love their country.
Kimani's wife also explained that the deaths of Kimani, Josephat Mwenda, and driver Joseph Muiruri would help raise awareness of the need to protect human rights lawyers and activists in Kenya. The case necessitated reforms in the Kenyan police sector.
"Willie Kimani finally got justice. We hope other families will not wait for long before justice is served. I hope that the Judiciary will hasten the wheels of justice for other victims.
"Being a policeman is a noble profession. The government should ensure that our police officers are well-trained and reminded that they are not above the law," she stated.
At the event held at Sarova Stanley in Nairobi, IJM President Andy Griffiths explained that the case presented a momentous moment for police accountability in the country.
Andy recounted the High Court judgment in which the presiding judge observed that the case was a valuable turning point, setting a legal precedent which will pave the way to ending police brutality in Kenya.
"I am especially honoured to mark this day in Kenya and in the presence of individuals and organisations – government, civil society, and the media - who tirelessly worked to ensure that justice was achieved in this case.
"As we all know, the court, in its judgement last year, convicted three police officers and a police informer for the murders. The four were sentenced in February 2023, with the first accused paying the highest price for murder under Kenyan law," IJM President Andy stated.
The IJM President expressed his gratitude to all who played a part in ensuring a just outcome was achieved. He noted that IJM recognised those who brought their expertise, passion, energy, and intensity from the first day their friends went missing until the final determination.
"IJM acknowledges that the milestones achieved in this case would not have been possible without great collaboration and partnership among different players in the Criminal Justice System, civil society, media, and the international community," Andy stated.
Andy explained that the murder of Mavoko III was a reminder of the dangers human rights defenders face in the country and the need for reforms in the police sector.
"Through the media, the public became aware of how the trio was abducted, illegally held for hours, killed, and dumped in a river. The media also ensured timely updates on the progress of the case. It is our belief that this is the most widely covered case in the history of Kenya," Andy acknowledged.
Amid a symphony of grief and solace, prosecutors, detectives, and activists eulogised Kimani as a pillar that will stand tall and resolute.
