UNICEF demands children’s protection after Bridgit Njoki, 12, killed in Saba Saba protests
UNICEF expressed deep condolences to all families who lost loved ones during the demonstrations, and in particular, extended heartfelt sympathies to Njoki’s family.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has raised concern over the death of 12-year-old Bridgit Njoki, who was reportedly killed by a stray police bullet while watching television in her home during the Saba Saba protests in Kenya.
In a statement issued on July 9, 2025, UNICEF expressed deep condolences to all families who lost loved ones during the demonstrations, and in particular, extended heartfelt sympathies to Njoki’s family.
More To Read
- Ruto clashes with courts over roadblocks ban, accuses Judiciary of undermining security
- Kenyans rally behind #WeAreAllKikuyus, condemn tribal profiling following Saba Saba protests
- KEWOPA, health workers slam Kitengela Hospital invasion during Saba Saba protests
- IJM launches probe into protest killings, calls for justice for 12-year-old girl shot in Kiambu
- Saba Saba protest death toll rises to 31
- Kiambu erupts in protests after 12-year-old girl killed by stray bullet during Saba Saba demos
The organisation urged Kenyan authorities to prioritise the protection of children during public protests and to uphold their responsibilities under both national and international child protection laws.
"Children must be protected from harm at all times and under all circumstances. It is their fundamental right," UNICEF said.
UNICEF also voiced concern over reports of children being detained during the protests.
"Detention should be the last resort as outlined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child," the agency said.
Access to legal assistance
"Minors who have been detained must have immediate access to appropriate legal assistance, family contact and should be separated from adults while in custody for the shortest time possible."
The incident happened in Ndumberi village, Kiambu County, about two kilometres from the centre of the protests.
According to her mother, Lucy Ngugi, 12-year-old Njoki was watching television around 6:20 pm when gunfire broke out nearby.
A stray bullet pierced the wall of their living room and struck her in the head.
At first, the mother thought her daughter had suffered an electric shock. But upon closer inspection, she discovered a bullet wound to the head.
She immediately called her husband, and together with the help of neighbours, they rushed Njoki to the hospital.
"He came, and with the help of neighbours, well-wishers, and the community, we rushed her to St Brigid's Hospital. There, doctors scanned her and found a bullet lodged in her head. They said it had penetrated her skull and brain," she recalled.
Her daughter died the same evening while receiving treatment.
Njoki’s death sparked renewed protests in Kiambu town, where hundreds of residents took to the streets in anger over what they described as rising police brutality.
Demonstrators lit bonfires and blocked roads, including the busy Kiambu-Limuru Road.
Top Stories Today
