What Led to the Death of a Child Inside Her Home?
Tragedy struck Ndumberi village in Kiambu during the Saba Saba protests when 12-year-old Bridgit Njoki was shot while watching TV in her living room. Her mother, Lucy Ngugi, recounted the moment that changed their lives forever. “It was around 6:20 pm, we were at home as a family when a stray bullet penetrated our house and caught my daughter on the head,” she said. Their home, two kilometers from the protest zone, became an unexpected target. Njoki was rushed to St. Brigid’s Hospital but died during resuscitation.
How Many Were Killed and What Are Families Saying?
The chaos of that day claimed six lives in Kiambu, sparking outrage and grief among residents. In Kiambu town, 23-year-old Dennis Mutuma Mwangi was shot in the back and died instantly. His mother, Friday Kawira, said, “My son was shot from the back, meaning he was running away, and it came through to the neck, killing him instantly right outside our home.” She emphasized that he wasn’t part of the protest; he had just stepped outside after doing laundry.
In Ndumberi, another victim, Laban Kamau, was also shot in the head. His mother, Margaret Wangui, described her disbelief: “Ndumberi is a village and not a town center. We were shocked to see such protests, which have left me without a son. It is so hurtful since my son is not a criminal to be gunned down like that.”
In addition to the fatalities, 18-year-old Kevin Muiruri sustained a gunshot wound to his leg in Kabete while trying to escape the skirmishes.
Why Are Families and Leaders Demanding Independent Investigations?
The families now face hefty bills at Kiambu Level Five Hospital for mortuary and post-mortem services. They’re calling on the government to cover funeral costs and provide justice for what they describe as unprovoked killings. “Impromptu killings were uncalled for since live bullets were used by police to disperse protestors,” one relative stated.
Former Kiambu MP Jude Njomo, who visited the affected families, joined the chorus demanding answers. “How can the police who have killed the young people investigate themselves? We need international bodies to investigate and give the dead who were shot by police justice,” he said. Njomo also accused police of downplaying the violence, noting that only one death had been officially reported in Kiambu despite six confirmed by families.
By Lucky Anyanje