The family of a Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officer is in deep mourning after losing their teenage son during the recent Saba Saba Day protests.
James Gachara, a high school student, tragically lost his life after being shot in Nanyuki on Monday, July 7. The protests, which had initially been peaceful, quickly escalated into violent clashes between demonstrators and anti-riot police.
A disturbing video shared online shows the moment a man, believed to be a police officer, opened fire at a group of protesters. In the chaos, Gachara was shot and sustained severe injuries. Eyewitnesses tried to help and rushed him to the hospital, but despite their efforts, he died while undergoing treatment.
His untimely death added to the growing number of fatalities resulting from the nationwide demonstrations.
According to the grieving family, Gachara was the son of a DCI officer currently stationed at a police post in Meru County. The news has shaken the community, particularly because the boy’s own father is part of the police service.
In a heartbreaking turn of events, Gachara’s family revealed they are struggling to clear his medical bills. The financial strain has also delayed the funeral arrangements. They are now appealing to both the government and kind-hearted members of the public for financial support to help them lay their son to rest.
Tensions have remained high in Nanyuki town since the protests, with residents still in shock and angered by the rising death toll. Another young victim, Julia Njoki Wangui, also lost her life under mysterious circumstances, further fueling public outrage.
On Monday, July 14, residents of Nanyuki took to the streets again, this time to demand justice for Njoki. Her grandmother led the protests, insisting that the truth about Njoki’s death must come out. Reports indicate that she died while in police custody after being arrested during the Saba Saba protests.
The National Police Service (NPS) released a statement confirming Njoki’s arrest along with 125 other protesters.
However, they did not provide clear information about the cause of her death. Instead, the NPS dismissed claims of police wrongdoing and stated that there are no investigations currently targeting any of their officers regarding the incident.
Meanwhile, human rights organization Haki Africa has issued an alarming update, revealing that at least 43 people have lost their lives in the protests, which have affected 10 counties across Kenya.
Nairobi leads with the highest number of deaths at 10, followed by Kiambu (9), Kajiado (6), Murang’a (5), and Embu (5).
As the country continues to come to terms with these tragedies, families like that of James Gachara and Julia Njoki are left devastated, demanding answers and justice. The impact of the Saba Saba protests continues to be felt nationwide, with calls for accountability growing louder each day.
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