Widow narrates how her Form Four son was shot dead

Emotional family and friends of Dennis Njuguna, a Form Four Student at Njenga Karume Secondary School who was shot dead by police during protests, after viewing his body at the Molo Sub County Hospital. [Kennedy Gachuhi, Standard]

A Form Four student was one of the people killed during the Wednesday's countrywide protests.

Police shot Dennis Njuguna, a student at the Njenga Karume Secondary School, as he was heading home in Turi village from Molo town, Nakuru, for the half-term break.

The mother of the 17-year-old, Jacinta Gathoni, could not hold her tears yesterday as she narrated how her lastborn son met his death just a short distance from home.

“I received a call from a neighbour who at first told me that my son had been injured. Before I could get to hospital, I got another call informing me that he was no more,” she said.

“My son was to come home yesterday (Wednesday) for the mid-term break. He took a boda boda and [Molo] left town. Along the way they found protesters who had barricaded the road. After the protesters were dispersed, one of the police officers opened fire on him, shattering his skull.” 

She described the death as a big blow, coming after the death of her husband a year and two months ago.

“He was a sharp boy and always promised to change my life after their father died. All that has been lost,” said Gathoni.

She wondered why the police had to use live bullets to disperse unarmed young people.

“Witnesses say that a cop whipped out a pistol and aimed at my son. He was unarmed. Why would the police use such force on unarmed people, even if they were in protests? Who is giving these instructions?” 

She expressed her anger at top government leadership, saying they have not shown remorse or willingness to act on rogue police officers.

“The President, as the senior-most leader, has not in any instance condemned the police despite these actions being violations of basic rights. Why does he allow officers under him to continue killing our children? Why are all these evils being committed under his watch?” 

Gathoni cautioned that such actions will not only send parents to the grave but may also push the country’s future in danger.

“Whom do they want to live and even lead this country in future? No flock without the calves can survive. Are we aiming at killing our population by eliminating the productive young generation?” she said.

Charles Njoroge, an elder, hit out at the police for contravening court rulings. “The court was very clear that no live bullets should be used. They had teargas but chose to use bullets. They are either under instructions or being protected to commit these heinous acts.”