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On a day marked by anti-government protests across Kenya, 12-year-old Bridgit Njoki was innocently watching television in the comfort of her home on July 7. Little did she know that the protests' violent clashes with police would soon invade her living room, ending her young life prematurely.
A stray bullet, described by her heartbroken mother, Lucy Ngugi, pierced through the ceiling, striking Njoki fatally in the head. "She was my everything… An innocent child who didn't deserve this. I wish she had been playing outside instead of inside the house," Ms. Ngugi lamented through tears, reflecting the anguish of a mother who lost her child to violence.
Njoki's death marks one of the youngest casualties amid escalating protests that have resulted in nearly 70 deaths and hundreds of injuries in just a month, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR). The unrest is fueled by widespread frustration over rising living costs, increased taxes, and allegations of police brutality, all striking a chord with many young Kenyans.
In the village of Ndumberi, where the family resides, they believed the violence was far away as they lived nearly two kilometers from the primary protest zones. Njoki's grandmother, Margaret Njeri, vividly recalled the moment, stating, "The bullet came over the roof of the house." However, police refutations claimed it was impossible for a bullet to travel such a distance, an assertion contradicted by the post-mortem examination which confirmed a gunshot wound.
Njoki, a bright student at Benson Njau School, was highly regarded for her academic excellence and was affectionate towards her family. Described as "the pride of the household," she was the eldest sibling and took on a caretaker role, earning praise from her remaining family members. Grief enveloping the household intensified as her mother and father called for peace following such a tragic loss that could have been avoided.
Njoki's death has spurred outrage, drawing international condemnation, with the UN expressing deep concern over the police’s use of "lethal ammunition" against civilians. The situation has echoes of past protests, with more than 50 lives lost in similar circumstances last year, leaving many to question the accountability of law enforcement.
President Ruto's severe response to protestors has led to claims of inciting further violence, while political rivals dismiss such accusations. In light of this climate, Njoki's bereaved mother implores the government and citizens alike, "Let this not happen to any other parent… I am begging our government - please, let this not happen again."
As Kenya's protests continue, the family's plea for an end to violence and dialogue serves as a somber reminder of the stakes involved, with Bridgit Njoki's name symbolizing innocence lost and a growing disconnect between the authorities and the public.
On a day marked by anti-government protests across Kenya, 12-year-old Bridgit Njoki was innocently watching television in the comfort of her home on July 7. Little did she know that the protests' violent clashes with police would soon invade her living room, ending her young life prematurely.
A stray bullet, described by her heartbroken mother, Lucy Ngugi, pierced through the ceiling, striking Njoki fatally in the head. "She was my everything… An innocent child who didn't deserve this. I wish she had been playing outside instead of inside the house," Ms. Ngugi lamented through tears, reflecting the anguish of a mother who lost her child to violence.
Njoki's death marks one of the youngest casualties amid escalating protests that have resulted in nearly 70 deaths and hundreds of injuries in just a month, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR). The unrest is fueled by widespread frustration over rising living costs, increased taxes, and allegations of police brutality, all striking a chord with many young Kenyans.
In the village of Ndumberi, where the family resides, they believed the violence was far away as they lived nearly two kilometers from the primary protest zones. Njoki's grandmother, Margaret Njeri, vividly recalled the moment, stating, "The bullet came over the roof of the house." However, police refutations claimed it was impossible for a bullet to travel such a distance, an assertion contradicted by the post-mortem examination which confirmed a gunshot wound.
Njoki, a bright student at Benson Njau School, was highly regarded for her academic excellence and was affectionate towards her family. Described as "the pride of the household," she was the eldest sibling and took on a caretaker role, earning praise from her remaining family members. Grief enveloping the household intensified as her mother and father called for peace following such a tragic loss that could have been avoided.
Njoki's death has spurred outrage, drawing international condemnation, with the UN expressing deep concern over the police’s use of "lethal ammunition" against civilians. The situation has echoes of past protests, with more than 50 lives lost in similar circumstances last year, leaving many to question the accountability of law enforcement.
President Ruto's severe response to protestors has led to claims of inciting further violence, while political rivals dismiss such accusations. In light of this climate, Njoki's bereaved mother implores the government and citizens alike, "Let this not happen to any other parent… I am begging our government - please, let this not happen again."
As Kenya's protests continue, the family's plea for an end to violence and dialogue serves as a somber reminder of the stakes involved, with Bridgit Njoki's name symbolizing innocence lost and a growing disconnect between the authorities and the public.
