Families of two youth killed in Murang’a chaos seek justice

Chaos broke out at the AIPCA church in Kenol, Murang’a, moments before the arrival of DP William Ruto. [Boniface Gikandi/Standard]

Families of the two young men killed in the Kenol fracas have called for arrests and prosecution of the persons responsible for the murders.

Christopher Kariuki, 21, and Peter Mbothu, 15 were killed after chaos erupted between two rival political factions, few minutes before the arrival of Deputy President William Ruto at a fundraiser at AIPCA Church in Kenol town, Murang'a.

Kariuki’s wife Lydiah Wangui denied her husband’s involvement in the fracas saying that he was only a victim of political rivalry. The father of one was stabbed twice in the back.

“I was shocked when I received a call from Kenneth Matiba Hospital in Kenol town informing to rush there because my husband was seriously injured,” said Wangui in an interview with journalists at her home in Kiandutu, Thika.

She said her husband had on Saturday night told her that he had a Sh2000 job offer as a cleaner at a hotel in Muranga.

She absolved him of participating in the Kenol chaos saying he was under the Kazi Mtaani programme in Thika.

“Investigations should be fastened and the politicians behind the chaos be apprehended and punished. My husband was hardworking ad loving,” she said.

Kihingi Mbothu whose 15-year-old son was killed in the same event expressed his pain and frustration saying it was unfortunate that politicians took advantage of poor children to advance their political interests.

“My brother was preparing to attend a friend’s party in Kiandutu when his two other friends told him that Ruto was coming to Kenol and that he gives handouts so they should try their luck. My brother agreed and they left on a motorbike,” said the deceased’s sister Lucy Njoki.

The teenager died at Thika level Five Hospital where he had been taken for treatment.