Mother Grieves for Daughter Shot and Killed During Kenya Protests

Bridgit Njoki, a brilliant and beloved student, becomes the youngest fatality linked to the violent protests sweeping Kenya, leaving her family in devastation and calling for urgent justice and peace.

On Monday, a tragic incident unfolded in Kenya as 12-year-old Bridgit Njoki was shot in her home while watching television during nationwide protests. The unrest, which has left nearly 70 dead and hundreds injured since mid-June, highlights the growing discontent among Kenyan citizens concerning rising living costs and police brutality.

As the demonstrations escalated outside, Njoki's mother, Lucy Ngugi, describes the harrowing moment when a bullet struck their modest home, fatally wounding her daughter: "She was my everything," she lamented. Within hours, Njoki was declared dead in a local hospital, leaving the family shattered. "Let me be the last mother to weep because of the death of a child," Ngugi said through tears.

Eyewitness accounts suggest that the family believed they were safe from the violent protests, which were primarily located on streets miles away from their residence in Ndumberi. However, a bullet shattered their sense of security, penetrating the roof and tragically hitting Njoki while she sat inside. A post-mortem examination later confirmed the cause of death as a gunshot wound, contradicting police assertions about the impossibility of the bullet's trajectory.

Njoki, who was a dedicated student and the pride of her family, was known for her caring nature, often helping out at home and participating actively in church activities. Her family members are left grappling with the void her passing has created. "She was always number one in her class... a very good girl," her grandmother remarked.

The international community has reacted to the violence, with the UN expressing deep concern over the use of lethal force by Kenyan police against protesters. The ongoing clashes echo previous anti-government movements, sparking fears of repeated tragedies. President William Ruto's recent comments, implying severe punishment for protest-related violence, have only added to the controversy.

Amid the chaos, Njoki's family is calling for justice and an end to such brutality. "Let's not burn our country. Let's have dialogue," pleaded Ngugi, urging the government to prioritize peace and protect the innocent. As the protests persist, Njoki's innocent life serves as a somber reminder of the costs of political turmoil, underscoring the urgent need for accountability and reform in Kenya's approach to dissent.