Did they have to die? Kin of fuel protests victims demand justice

Derrick Machanje, a 22-year-old student at Sigalagala National Polytechnic, was reportedly shot dead during the Fuel protests in Kakamega town. [Courtesy]

Derrick Machanja joined Sigalagala National Polytechnic with big dreams. He dreamt of securing a job and building a big house for his single mother, Rodah Shatsira.

Those dreams were shattered after he was shot dead by a policeman in the streets of Kakamega during the Monday countrywide protests against high fuel costs.

At least 11 people have been killed and 20 others wounded by gunshots in police shootings during two days of demonstrations against a sharp fuel price hike and an ongoing matatu strike, according to figures compiled by this newspaper.

The deaths include Derrick in Western, three in Kiambu, three in Naivasha, two in Nakuru, and two in Nairobi. Some 20 other victims are being treated for gunshot wounds in various hospitals.

Yesterday, Derrick’s mother, Ms Shatsira, said the deceased had joined other young people protesting over the high cost of living and rising fuel prices before chaos erupted in Kakamega.

The protesters reportedly moved from the Kakamega CBD towards the Maraba area after police dispersed crowds using force. It is in Maraba that the student was shot dead. “They said he was taking pictures and videos when police opened fire. He fell down after being shot and later died,” she said.

Photos and videos circulating online appeared to show the student lying on the ground moments after the shooting, images that have fuelled anger and grief among residents.

The family have raised concerns over how the body was mishandled after death. They claim doctors removed bullets and embalmed the body before relatives gave consent.

Derrick’s elder brother, Edwin Moses, said he was disturbed after he first learnt about the tragedy through photos circulating on Facebook at about 2pm. “The pictures we saw online were terrible. He had injuries on the head, and people said he had been shot several times. But when we reached the mortuary, the body had already been cleaned and embalmed,” he said.

He questioned why procedures were conducted before the family had arrived. Moses accused the police of betraying their constitutional duty to protect citizens. “Police are supposed to protect life, not kill innocent children. If it was your own son or brother, how would you feel?” he posed.

The family is now demanding investigations into the shooting and prosecution of the officers involved. “I am not begging. I want justice,” the brother said firmly. “Those responsible should be taken to court. We were only two brothers, and he was the younger one,” he said.

Moses described the deceased brother as a hard-working and disciplined student who had dedicated his life to education with hopes of lifting the family out of poverty. “He was studying engineering and was expected to complete his studies next year. We had big dreams together. I will graduate as a teacher next year, and we hoped to work together, buy land for our mother and improve her life because she lives in a rental house,” he said.

His grandfather, Peter Machanja, said Derrick’s education was supported by Lurambi MP Titus Khamala, as the family struggled to provide food, upkeep and rent. Mzee Machanja also expressed deep grief, calling for accountability over what he termed a “senseless killing”.

“We are in pain as a family. That boy was our hope. He was not a criminal. He was a student with a bright future. We want justice from the government,” he said.

“She raised him through hardship. They live in a rented house, and she struggles to keep him in school. He was her only hope,” said Antonina Munyasa, a neighbour.

“He was quiet, disciplined, and focused on school. We were all shocked when we heard he had been shot. It is very painful,” she said.

Meanwhile, a sombre mood also engulfed Ndonyo shopping centre in Dagoretti on Monday evening after a 32-year-old boda boda rider was shot dead by police during the protests and matatu strike.

George Kariuki’s life was cut short at 2pm just metres from his iron sheet shack in the informal settlement, leaving behind a pregnant widow, a child, and a community seething with rage.

His wife, Grace Nyariara, fought back tears as she recalled the last moments with her husband. “He had been out working the whole night. He came back in the afternoon and parked his motorbike. Then he left to join his friends at the shopping centre. Minutes later, I was told he had been shot by police,” she said.

George’s brother, Peter Kariuki, insisted Kariuki was not a protester but a hard-working father caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.

In a separate incident, Prudence Imali, 20, was shot dead in Marurui. Her body lies at Kenyatta National Hospital morgue. Her husband, Tony Njuguna, was too distraught to speak to the media.