Mother of Rongai boy shot during anti-govt protests cries for justice
Clutching the picture close to her chest, Onyango's mother expressed frustration over the lack of progress in the case, accusing the authorities of neglecting her cries for justice.
The mother of Kennedy Onyango, a 12-year-old boy who was shot and killed during the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests, has made a desperate plea for justice, saying those responsible for her son’s death must be held to account.
On Tuesday, Josinta Anyango staged a protest outside Milimani Law Courts, holding a framed photo of her son as she tearfully urged authorities to take action.
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Clutching the picture close to her chest, she expressed frustration over the lack of progress in the case, accusing the authorities of neglecting her cries for justice.
“We thought they would help us because they asked for evidence, but nothing has been done,” she lamented.
She revealed that human rights organisations had assisted her in settling a mortuary balance of Sh44,000 and that Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo had also sent financial aid for the burial.
However, she said she has received no further support since then.
“I used to work as a laundress, but now I have no job. Since my son died, no one has called me back to work. If I remain silent, the government remains silent. I am not crazy, I am not insane, I am not mad,” she said, her voice filled with anguish.
Jocinta Anyango, mother to 12-year-old boy Kennedy Onyango (left) consults with other relatives during solving of dispute pitting her against father of the deceased boy. (Photo: Barack Oduor)
Kennedy Onyango was among several victims of police violence during the nationwide protests against the Finance Bill, 2024, which was later withdrawn following public outrage. He was shot during demonstrations in Rongai, Kajiado County, and an autopsy conducted at Ongata Rongai Hospital confirmed the cause of death.
Tragic day
His father, Michael Ouma, recalled the tragic day, stating that Kennedy had just returned home from school and stepped out to borrow a book when he was shot.
“Kennedy was a calm boy and did not participate in the protests that claimed his life,” Ouma said.
His mother described him as a passionate young artist who had big dreams.
“Kennedy was an artist who loved drawing. He always said that his dream was to go far with his art. Now, that dream is shattered in the hands of rogue police officers who shot my innocent boy,” she said, struggling to hold back tears.
Human rights activists strongly condemned the excessive use of force by police during the protests, calling on the government to expedite investigations into Onyango’s death.
Hussein Khalid, a human rights defender with Vocal Africa, demanded accountability, noting the severity of Kennedy’s gunshot wound.
“Kennedy suffered a gunshot wound so severe that it passed through his body, which is a clear indication of the excessive force used by the police,” he said.
Kennedy’s parents, devastated by the loss, have vowed to continue fighting for justice.
“We demand justice for Kennedy and for all the other children and youth who have been senselessly killed. This violence must stop,” Ouma said then.
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