Grieving families demand justice as fuel price hike protest death toll rises to 12

Families whose loved ones were killed during Monday’s nationwide fuel price protests are now demanding justice, saying many of the victims were innocent civilians caught in the chaos as police battled protesters in different parts of the country.

In Nairobi’s Dagoretti South, grief has engulfed the family of 32-year-old boda boda rider George Njuguna Kamau, who was allegedly shot dead during the unrest.

George, who operated within the Ndonyo area and was a father of one, leaves behind a pregnant wife and a young child.

“I didn’t believe it, even now I don’t believe it… tulikuwa tu home tulikuwa sawa, hivi tu suddenly nikasikia ameshootiwa in the chest, and he has gone,” said his widow, Grace Nyariri.

Grace, who says she is one month pregnant, recalled how excited her husband had been after learning they were expecting another child.

“Am also pregnant, na nilimwambia juzi na alikuwa very happy, hata alikuwa ananipa massage akisema maybe watakuwa twins, lakini now the unborn child will never see his father, even if get justice that will not bring my husband back,” she said.

The family insists George was not involved in the demonstrations and was only going about his normal duties when he was shot.

Elsewhere in Githurai 44, another family is mourning the death of Joseph Kiarie Kibuchi, who was allegedly shot while attempting to return home after depositing school fees for his child.

“So venye alipata kumeharibika, alikuwa akichukua pikipiki kurudi ndio akashootiwa,” said his wife, Faith Nyambura.

A relative, Stanley Ngugi, claimed the shooting was carried out by occupants of an unmarked vehicle.

“Kwanza alikuwa anaenda kubank pesa ya mtoto school fees, halafu akakutana na hiyo vurugu hapo. Hiyo gari kwanza ilikuwa numberless, madam mwenye alikuwa nyuma alimshoot kwa kifua mara mbili,” he alleged.

At the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), Dennis Kwayumba is mourning his wife, Prudence Imali, who succumbed to gunshot injuries after reportedly being shot in Roysambu while heading to a nearby shop.

“Kwanza alishootiwa hapa kwa chest… alikuwa ametoka kwa nyumba akienda kwa duka, sasa akirudi ndio akapigwa risasi… mimi naomba tu vile nitasaidika nifikishe bibi yangu nyumbani na nipate haki,” said Kwayumba.

The growing list of casualties also includes Derrick Peter Machanje, a student at Sigalagala National Polytechnic, who was fatally shot during the protests.

Several survivors remain admitted in hospitals with serious injuries.

Among them is Vallery Amondi, who is receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at KNH after a bullet lodged in her thigh.

“Then she was rushed to Mimosa hospital given first aid and later rushed to KNH of which until now bado hajatolewa bullet kwa mguu,” said her sister, Winnie Adhiambo.

Human rights organisation Vocal Africa says at least 12 people have died following the countrywide protests.

“From what we have gathered so far, the shooting was close range and this means the officers were on a mission to kill. We are asking the Ministry of Interior they rein in on all the officers involved,” said Vocal Africa Director Hussein Khalid.

Khalid added that the organisation is working with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to push for accountability.

“We are working with IPOA to ensure their autopsies is done and from there, we will start the process to ensure for all those who have been shot, justice is done,” he said.

The protests, which erupted over rising fuel prices and the high cost of living, turned chaotic in several parts of the country, leaving dozens injured, businesses destroyed and families grieving the loss of loved ones.