Mother mourns son killed during Gen Z riots, seeks justice

Maria Shikwe during an interview at her home in Kabachia Estate, Nakuru on May 10,2025. This Mother's Day is marked by sorrow as she continues to grieve the loss of her son, Austin Onyisa, who was shot dead on June 25, 2024, during the Generation Z protests. Nearly a year later, she is still waiting for justice. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

A reggae song playing from a mobile phone echoed in Maria Shikwe's ears as tears rolled down her cheeks. It reminded her of her autistic son, Austin Onyisa, who was shot dead during the Gen Z protests on June 25, 2024.

Shikwe welcomed the Sunday Standard team to her modest iron-sheet home in Kabachia estate. Despite green maize flourishing in her compound, the mother of three says there is little else to be thankful for.