Nyeri: Family, Friends Mourn Young Gen Z Man Killed in Protests, Call for Justice
- A peaceful protest turned deadly in Othaya after Jose, a young unarmed Gen Z demonstrator, was allegedly shot dead by police
- His death has sparked outrage across Nyeri county, with residents and leaders demanding justice
- The tragedy has intensified calls to end police brutality and hold security forces accountable for what the residents call the criminalisation of dissent
Nyeri — A dark cloud hangs over Karima village in Othaya after the tragic killing of a young man, only identified as Jose, during nationwide anti-government protests on Wednesday, June 25.
Source: Facebook
The Gen Z protester was allegedly shot dead by police in Othaya town, sparking outrage and renewed calls to end police brutality in Kenya.
Nyeri police accused of murder
MCA Wambari Wa NyagaNyoko publicly condemned the killing and directed sharp criticism at local intelligence units.
“I want to address the team from NIS in Othaya. What’s your work? How did this happen under your watch? Were you not aware of the magnitude of the angered liberators?” he questioned.
Wambari expressed fury over the incident and demanded that the perpetrators of the heinous act be brought to book and charged.
He added that apart from Jose, several other youths were nursing injuries inflicted by the police officers.
Kenyans mourn Jose
Hundreds of mourners went online to grieve the loss of the young protester. Emotions ran high as friends and family demanded justice.
Family members vowed to keep up pressure on authorities to deliver justice for Jose and end what they call the criminalisation of dissent.
Monica Kamene
"Don't just rest, Jose, seek your justice. No more words can express our pain, but anyway. Dance with angels, till we meet again."
Bless Gal
"I know you very well n my question is how did you end up in the mix? You have left a big wound in my heart. Rest well."
Meanwhile, funeral preparations are underway in Karima, where the community continues to mourn a life lost too soon.
Source: Facebook
What you need to know about Gen Z demos
- The demonstration was held to commemorate the over 60 Kenyans who died during the anti-Finance Bill protests in 2024.
- Despite the police promising to ensure law and order was upheld, the march turned chaotic with officers engaging in running battles with the citizens.
- In one incident, a Nairobi businesswoman lost stock worth over KSh 2 million after her shop was broken into.
Nairobi homeless man allegedly killed in protests
Meanwhile, friends and family members of protesters who failed to return home after the demonstrations had a difficult time identifying the bodies of their loved ones.
Among them was a group of homeless Kenyans who identified a 22-year-old colleague named Moses Mwangi, allegedly beaten to death during the chaos.
In a video shared by activist Hussein Khalid, a tearful woman from the street community spoke of her pain and loss, describing Mwangi as a close friend.
The grieving woman disclosed that the deceased young man left behind his eight-month-pregnant wife, who also lives on the streets.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
