‘You’ll forever be 12’: Heartbroken mother mourns Bridgit Njoki, killed by police bullet on Saba Saba

Lucy Ngugi, the mother of 12-year-old Bridgit Njoki Wainaina, gave a moving tribute during a sorrowful funeral mass at their local church in Githunguri, where she reflected on the person she had hoped her daughter would grow up to become. Bridgit was killed by a stray bullet on the evening of the Saba Saba protests.

That morning had started like any other—Bridgit woke up well and spent the day with her family. But tragedy struck later that evening while she was resting beside her mother in the living room. A bullet tore through the wall and struck her in the head.

She was rushed to St Brigid’s Hospital but succumbed to her injuries while undergoing treatment.

Overcome with grief and noting that she would never again hear her daughter’s voice, Lucy asked the church to play a recording of Bridgit reading a Bible verse before she and her husband delivered their tribute.

"Twelve years seem like a day, and, Bridgit, you will forever be 12 years old. I thought you would grow and be a beautiful woman from the girl you were, but that bullet has shattered my dreams; the doctor you would have become, the accountant you would have become will never be a reality because you will forever be 12 years old," she said.

Safety concerns

The former pupil of Benson Njau Primary School—where she and other learners had been asked to stay home due to safety concerns during the Saba Saba protests—was eulogised by her mother as a warm, affectionate, and loving child.

"Saba saba will forever be etched in my heart. I lost a part of me. I am shattered beyond words... that bullet has cut short not only your dreams, but also the love and affection we received from you is now gone. Now our family chain is broken, it will never be complete, just because of that bullet," her mother said.

She lamented that her daughter had fallen victim to tragic circumstances but vowed that the family would not let the painful loss overshadow the cherished memories they shared with her.

"You were too innocent, Bridgit, to even understand about the demonstrations at home. We thought we were safe, but the bullet got its way. The bullet didn't just come; someone pulled the trigger, and Bridgit, you were gone, gone forever. Your dreams, passion, and kindness are now gone, but they didn't take your name. Your memory will forever be etched in our hearts. You were a loving daughter. Yes, I could not ask God for a better daughter because you were simply the best," she said.

A lifetime of “maybes”

Standing alongside her husband and close relatives, she said the family would carry a lifetime of “maybes” and unanswered questions, often wondering how Bridgit’s life might have unfolded as they watched her peers grow up.

"My heart bleeds for the life cut short by the bullet," she said.

In a direct message to leaders, the mother added that "No money, no compensation will bring my daughter back. I have left everything to the almighty God. Whoever pulled that trigger, listen again, I know our men in uniform are here, as you receive orders from your big bosses there, listen; whoever pulled that trigger, I may never know them, but God is full of justice."

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• ‘You’ll forever be 12’: Heartbroken mother mourns Bridgit Njoki
• killed by police bullet on Saba Saba

Bridgit will also be fondly remembered by her relatives, classmates, friends, and teachers.

Despite concerns over renewed protests, the school arranged transport for some pupils, including her Grade 7 Nzoia classmates, to attend the funeral mass and bid their final farewell.

Her teachers and relatives described her as a humble and cheerful child who loved peace, people, and her parents. They recalled her as a helpful and multi-talented girl—passionate about singing, a skilled chess player, a responsible prefect, and a devoted member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Ndumberi.

Several politicians were in attendance, including presidential aspirant Fred Matiang’i, former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, former Defence CS Eugene Wamalwa, Githunguri MP Gathoni Wa Muchomba, former Kiambu Town MP Jude Njomo, and former Ndaragwa MP Jeremiah Kioni. However, none were allowed to speak, in line with the family’s request.

"Though you may not have had an opportunity to speak, your presence speaks volumes," the presiding priest, Fr Paul Maichuhie, told the leaders.

To the country, he said, "Peace is very expensive, if you look at countries that have lost it, getting it back is becoming a huge task. Let us all be instruments of peace."