Aasai

A wave of grief and anger has swept through Kiambu County following the deaths of six people, including a 12-year-old girl, who were allegedly shot by police during the Saba Saba Day protests on Monday, June 2025. Families are now demanding justice, government compensation, and a thorough independent investigation into the use of live ammunition on civilians.

One of the most heartbreaking cases is that of Bridgit Njoki, a 12-year-old girl who was tragically killed while watching television in her familys home in Ndumberi village. According to her mother, Lucy Ngugi, the fatal shooting occurred at around 6:20 p.m. when a stray bullet pierced their wall and struck Njoki in the head. The family home, located nearly two kilometers away from the main protest route, was supposed to be a place of safety.

“We were just at home watching TV when the bullet came through the wall,” Lucy recalled. “She was not even near the protests. This was our home.”

Njoki was rushed to St. Brigid’s Hospital but sadly died during resuscitation efforts. Her family is devastated and struggling to come to terms with the sudden and violent loss.

In another incident in Kiambu town, Dennis Mutuma Mwangi, 23, was gunned down right outside his house. His mother, Friday Kawira, said her son had just stepped out briefly after doing laundry. “He was shot from behind, the bullet went through his neck,” she said, sobbing. “It shows he was running away, not part of the protests.”

In Ndumberi, Laban Kamau also lost his life after being shot in the head. His mother, Margaret Wangui, described the area as a quiet village and expressed disbelief that such brutality could happen in their peaceful community. “My son was not a criminal. Why shoot to kill?” she lamented.

The affected families say they are now being burdened with hefty mortuary and post-mortem charges at Kiambu Level Five Hospital, adding more pain to their already unbearable grief. They are appealing to the government to cater for funeral expenses and hospital bills, condemning what they call the unjustified use of live bullets during peaceful protests.

Kevin Muiruri, 18, was among those injured. He was shot in the leg while fleeing clashes in Kabete constituency. He is currently recovering but faces a long and uncertain road to healing.

Former Kiambu Member of Parliament Jude Njomo, who visited the grieving families, joined the growing chorus demanding accountability. He strongly opposed the idea of police investigating themselves, suggesting instead that international human rights organizations be brought in to ensure transparency and justice.

“How can those responsible for the shootings be trusted to investigate the same?” Njomo posed. He also accused authorities of downplaying the crisis, pointing out that police only reported one death in Kiambu, while at least six deaths have been confirmed by the victims’ families.

As investigations continue, families say they will not rest until justice is served for their loved ones who were taken in what they believe were unnecessary and avoidable killings.