Tears, calls for justice dominate JKUAT student Denzel Omondi's burial

The funeral of Denzel Omondi, a third-year student at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), was marked by tears and a sombre atmosphere.

Omondi (23), who was found dead in the wake of anti-government protests two weeks ago, was laid to rest on Monday in Karachuonyo, Homa Bay County. 

Activists and other speakers turned his burial into a platform to send a passionate plea to the government to end extrajudicial killings and ensure the family receives justice.  Denzel's father, James Onyango, in his speech, opened up about how the death has dealt a psychological blow to him, asking Kenyans to pray for his family.

"Denzel was our firstborn. He was bright, disciplined, and hard-working. We ask that those who killed him be found and brought to justice," said Onyango, who recalled how his son's body was found in a quarry in Juja. 

An autopsy examination revealed that Denzel died by drowning, however, his family and human rights defenders rejected the findings.

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and his Karachuonyo counterpart Adipo Okuome were among the mourners at the funeral. The duo demanded that the government provide answers to families that lost their loved ones in protests. 

Babu Owino said the deaths of protesters have caused a lot of trauma to families. He also accused the government of failing to put an end to mysterious deaths reported in the country, giving reference to the recent discovery of bodies at the Kware quarry in Nairobi.

According to the MP, families that lost their loved ones should be compensated.

"We need answers on some of the deaths that occurred during the protest," Babu Owin stated. 

Mourners view the body of Denzel Omondi (23), who was found dead in the wake of anti-government protests. Omondi was laid to rest on Monday, July 22, 2024, in Karachuonyo, Homa Bay County. (Photo: Barack Oduor)

He further accused the Kenya Kwanza government of antagonising the country and joined the youth in calling for more protests to push for reforms. Owino argued that the country would only enjoy reforms and development if the protests continued.

"For a seed to germinate, the ground must break. "In this case, Ruto must go for Kenya to develop," the MP declared. 

According to the MP, his calls for protest are motivated by the fact that President Ruto has failed to fulfil most of his campaign pledges.

During his speech, he also opposed plans for a national dialogue, saying the president has continued to make mistakes, including recycling cabinet secretaries he fired. He also opposed any attempts to hike university fees, saying a lot of families will not be able to educate their children if tertiary education is made expensive. 

"We will continue fighting for the rights of Kenyans, and I am not afraid to take the lead," Owino said. 

His sentiments were echoed by Karachuonyo lawmaker Okuome, who chose to build a classroom in honour of Denzel. The MP announced that the classroom will be built at Adhiro Primary School and named after the university student.

"He would have been an important person in his community if he had lived and pursued his dream," Okuome eulogised. 

JKUAT Vice Chancellor Prof. Victoria Ngumi, in her statement read by a member of the academic staff, described Denzel as a bright and dedicated student in his department. Meanwhile, Karachuonyo University Student Association Chairman Edwin Ouru called for leaders in Homa Bay to honour Denzel by initiating projects and naming them after the students.

"We will one day remember what his death will do to this country because I believe he did not die in vain," he said.

The late JKUAT student Denzel Omondi's body was discovered on July 6, 2024 floating in a deserted quarry in Juja, Kiambu County. (Photo: Denzel Omondi)