As anti-government protests erupted in Kenya, tragedy struck when 12-year-old Bridgit Njoki was killed by a stray bullet in her home. Her death highlights a deepening crisis amidst growing discontent over living conditions and police brutality as families mourn the loss of innocent lives.
Tragic Death of 12-Year-Old Bridgit Njoki Sparks Calls for Justice Amid Kenya Protests
Tragic Death of 12-Year-Old Bridgit Njoki Sparks Calls for Justice Amid Kenya Protests
A mother mourns her daughter, a casualty of violent protests in Kenya, igniting national outrage over police actions.
On Monday, during widespread anti-government protests, Bridgit Njoki was watching television in her family’s home near Nairobi. Unbeknownst to her, the violent clashes between protesters and the police would impact her peaceful evening. Suddenly, a bullet flew through her home, striking her in the head. Her mother, Lucy Ngugi, recalled that the family had assumed they were safe, living nearly two kilometers from the main road where the protests escalated. Tragically, however, Njoki succumbed to her injuries shortly after arriving at the hospital.
“She was my everything,” Ngugi told the BBC, tears streaming down her face. “Let me be the last mother to weep because of the death of a child—an innocent child.” Njoki’s family described her as a bright student, excelled in school, and helped care for her younger siblings, embodying all the hopes and dreams of her family.
The violence of the protests has left nearly 70 people dead, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, with many more injured since demonstrations began in June over issues such as rising living costs and police brutality. Although witnesses attested to the police firing live ammunition and tear gas in residential areas, authorities have dismissed claims that a bullet could have traveled into Njoki's home.
A post-mortem examination confirmed that a bullet was indeed found in Njoki's body, substantiating her family’s claims. In the wake of her tragic death, calls for accountability are growing, both locally and internationally.
The UN has condemned the police's use of lethal force against protesters, while President Ruto has taken a hard stance against violence, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy. Critics, however, have accused him of tossing blame on political rivals rather than addressing the grievances spurring the protests.
In the community of Ndumberi, Njoki’s family is left grappling with their grief. Njoki’s mother has called for peace, appealing to the government to engage in dialogue and prevent further loss of life. “Let this not happen to any other parent,” she urged, hoping that her daughter’s sacrifice serves as a catalyst for change.
As protests continue and tensions remain high, Njoki's death stands as a solemn reminder of the cost of civil unrest in Kenya, emphasizing the urgent need for justice and dialogue amidst sorrow and sorrowful loss.
“She was my everything,” Ngugi told the BBC, tears streaming down her face. “Let me be the last mother to weep because of the death of a child—an innocent child.” Njoki’s family described her as a bright student, excelled in school, and helped care for her younger siblings, embodying all the hopes and dreams of her family.
The violence of the protests has left nearly 70 people dead, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, with many more injured since demonstrations began in June over issues such as rising living costs and police brutality. Although witnesses attested to the police firing live ammunition and tear gas in residential areas, authorities have dismissed claims that a bullet could have traveled into Njoki's home.
A post-mortem examination confirmed that a bullet was indeed found in Njoki's body, substantiating her family’s claims. In the wake of her tragic death, calls for accountability are growing, both locally and internationally.
The UN has condemned the police's use of lethal force against protesters, while President Ruto has taken a hard stance against violence, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy. Critics, however, have accused him of tossing blame on political rivals rather than addressing the grievances spurring the protests.
In the community of Ndumberi, Njoki’s family is left grappling with their grief. Njoki’s mother has called for peace, appealing to the government to engage in dialogue and prevent further loss of life. “Let this not happen to any other parent,” she urged, hoping that her daughter’s sacrifice serves as a catalyst for change.
As protests continue and tensions remain high, Njoki's death stands as a solemn reminder of the cost of civil unrest in Kenya, emphasizing the urgent need for justice and dialogue amidst sorrow and sorrowful loss.
