Kirinyaga Mum of Young Man Attacked, Killed During June 25 Protests Tearfully Seeks Justice for Son
- A heartbroken mother from Kirinyaga county was inconsolable as she held the portrait of her young son
- She recounted how her son had joined fellow youths in the Gen Z memorial protests on Wednesday, June 25
- All she is left with now are her grandchildren, who are under her care and without a father figure to look up to
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Kirinyaga: Several families are still reeling in anguish following the chaotic Wednesday, June 25 protests that left many dead, several injured, and others missing.
Source: Youtube
Among those still grieving the aftermath of the maandamano is a family in Kagumo, Kirinyaga county.
Brian Maina's family is struggling to come to terms with the death of the young man whose life was cut short on that fateful day.
Where was Brian Maina living?
His mother noted that he left behind two children following his unfortunate and untimely death, allegedly at the hands of the police.
"He was staying in Umoja, Nairobi county, when he decided to join other Gen Zs for the memorial protests. They wanted to commemorate the deaths of previous protestors who died a year ago. Around 2pm is when most of our children were killed, including my son," a heartbroken Peninah Wairimu said.
While in the CBD, Maina did not know it would be his last day on earth when a clash between protesters and police erupted.
How Brian Maina was killed in June 25 protests?
As the protesters threw stones, the police responded with tear gas, which overwhelmed the demonstrators and Maina collapsed in the middle of the chaos.
One police officer swiftly approached and struck him on the head with a club, fracturing his skull.
"He could not get up again. Luckily, the Gen Zs were united, and despite everyone running for their lives, some stopped to save him. One of them saw him injured and helpless and decided to help by carrying him on his back.
They looked for a car, but couldn't find any, so they were forced to use a motorcycle. We were told he died at 9pm," Wairimu shared
How old was Brian Maina when he died?
The autopsy report matched the testimonies of those present, and the family is now crying out for justice for the 20-year-old.
Nancy Wanjiku, Maina’s grandmother, expressed her pain and frustration, saying the family had not received any report about the police officer involved.
"I feel betrayed by the government for killing an innocent child who had nothing except water, the flag, and his phone," she said.
Kenyans sympathise with Peninah Wairimu
Several Kenyans sympathized with her, penning emotional messages in the comment section:
Nicholas Rotich:
"Pole to the family, but sasa sijui mbona most ni from single mothers... mums kwani mnaraise criminals?"
Stanoh Maina N:
"Saa hii huyu mama akilia hivo, mwingine mjinga anacheka ati haki itendeke wapi. Lakini Mungu atasimama na mama, atawafadhili na awape nguvu. Mungu atawapa njia."
Theo Curtis:
"Wakili, please intervene."
Meshack Oyole:
"Pole kwa msiba."
Ronald-qe9vr:
"Avoid protests at all costs."
Source: Youtube
Families seek justice for Gen Zs killed in 2024
In another story, several families whose loved ones were killed during the June 2024 protests are still yet to receive justice.
They continue to cling to hope even months after the Gen Z memorial protests.
Despite commitments and promises from the government, no action has been taken on the pledges made.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
