Ndunge Mutisya, a 35-year-old mother of two, who was allegedly shot dead by a police officer at Kanyoonyoo. Photo Andrew Mbuva 
By Andrew Mbuva
A cloud of grief and anger hangs over Kwa Eka village in Makueni County following the killing of Joy Ndunge Mutisya, a 35-year-old mother of two, who was allegedly shot dead by a police officer under unclear circumstances at Kanyonyoo Market in Masinga Sub-county, Machakos.
The tragedy has sparked a demand for justice from her family and the local community, who say the officer entrusted with protecting citizens turned into a killer, robbing two young children of their mother and a husband of his wife.
“If she had done anything wrong, there were better ways to handle the situation. Why use such excessive force?” lamented Jonathan Muema Ngose, her father-in-law. “We are heartbroken, confused, and demanding answers. That officer must be held accountable.”
Joy Ndunge was married to James Mutisya, who works in the Democratic Republic of Congo and is currently making his way back home amidst conflict at the Congo-Uganda border. She leaves behind a daughter who is a Form Three student at Mukaa Girls, and a son who is in Grade 6 at Kiima Kiu Primary School.
Jonathan recounted the harrowing moment he recognized Joy’s face from photos circulating on social media and news platforms. He immediately traveled to Kitui Hospital Mortuary, where his worst fears were confirmed.
“She used to work in Kitengela. I don’t even know how she ended up in Kanyonyoo. All I know is that she was shot multiple times. What kind of training do our officers receive to justify this?” he asked in disbelief.
He added that the family plans to conduct a postmortem on Thursday at Kitui Hospital Mortuary, with the burial set for Tuesday next week.
The brutality of the shooting—described by those who viewed her body as excessive—has shocked the entire community. Friends, relatives, and neighbors have echoed the call for justice.
“We’re not just grieving—we’re angry,” said Peter Kiio, a family friend and neighbor. “How can someone trained to protect life take it so casually?”
Regina David, a sister-in-law, called for government intervention.
“Joy was a hardworking woman. The government must come through for this family. We want justice, nothing less,” she said.
Titus Kiamba Maundu, another family friend, said they received the tragic news while visiting another bereaved household in the neighborhood.
“This is too much. How do we console one family while another one falls victim to violence from police? The burden this has left on this family is enormous.”
Joachim Wambua, a family elder, questioned the moral compass of those tasked with public safety.
“It is unacceptable for an officer of the law to bring such pain to a family. This is not the justice system we deserve.”
Peter Mwania, an uncle to the deceased, said he first heard of the killing through local radio station and was devastated.
“I couldn’t believe it. A mother, a church leader, a choir member – gunned down and left for dead. We can’t just move on. We must speak out.”
Joy was described as a devoted Christian who led praise songs in her church and maintained strong family values. Her sudden death has left the family shattered and searching for answers.
While the community awaits the outcome of the postmortem and police investigations, one thing remains clear: the family of Joy Ndunge Mutisya will not rest until justice is served.
“She was shot like a criminal, yet she was innocent,” said Jonathan. “The government must give us justice. Her children need closure. We all do.”
