Families across Kenya are grieving and demanding justice following deadly nationwide protests over rising fuel prices. What began as demonstrations against the high cost of living quickly descended into chaos, leaving several people dead and many others injured. Human rights groups now say the victims were largely innocent civilians caught in violent confrontations between police and protesters.
In Nairobi’s Dagoretti South, a young family is struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss of 32-year-old boda boda rider George Njuguna Kamau. George, a father of one who worked in the Ndonyo area, was allegedly shot during the unrest. His death has left behind a pregnant wife and a young child. His widow, Grace Nyariri, says the loss is still unimaginable. She recalled how her husband had recently learned about her pregnancy and was filled with excitement about their future. Now, she says, their unborn child will grow up without ever knowing their father. The family maintains that George was not part of the protests and was simply going about his daily work when he was fatally shot.
In Githurai 44, a similar tragedy unfolded. Joseph Kiarie Kibuchi was reportedly shot while trying to make his way home after paying school fees for his child. His family says he was caught in the unrest while attempting to leave the area. Relatives allege he was shot at close range by individuals in an unmarked vehicle, raising serious questions about the circumstances surrounding his death.
At Kenyatta National Hospital, families are also mourning loved ones who succumbed to gunshot injuries. Dennis Kwayumba is grieving the loss of his wife, Prudence Imali, who was reportedly shot in Roysambu while heading to a nearby shop. She later died from her injuries. Kwayumba is now calling for justice, saying no family should have to endure such a loss under such circumstances.
The number of casualties continues to rise. Among those killed is Derrick Peter Machanje, a student at Sigalagala National Polytechnic. Meanwhile, several survivors remain hospitalized with serious injuries. One of them, Vallery Amondi, is in the Intensive Care Unit at Kenyatta National Hospital after being shot. Her family says the bullet is still lodged in her thigh as doctors work to stabilize her condition.
Human rights organisation Vocal Africa reports that at least 12 people have died following the protests. The group has raised an alarm over the nature of the shootings, alleging that some victims were shot at close range. They are now calling on authorities to take swift action against those responsible. The organisation is also working with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to ensure thorough investigations, including autopsies, are conducted as part of the push for accountability.
