Prominent activist Boniface Mwangi has promised to assist a family in Busia with the burial of its kin, Paul Nyongesa, who was reportedly shot during the Anti-Finance Bill 2024 protests in Nyeri.
According to the family, Nyongesa, who worked as a security guard at a hotel in Nyeri, was fatally shot during the nationwide protests last week.
However, the family has been unable to transport his body back home for burial due to financial constraints.
The family, through an interview with NTV, had appealed to well-wishers for help with the burial preparations.
In response, Mwangi asked NTV to forward the family’s details to Hanifa, stating that the burial contribution would be sent once the necessary information is provided.
“Please send the details for this family to @Honeyfarsafi. She needs 1. Name of the deceased. 2. ID No 3. Place of incidence. 4. Contact person, and relation to the deceased. Their phone ID and phone number.”
“Once she gets that, burial contribution will be sent,” he added.
Family Express Their Grief
During the interview, the deceased’s father expressed his grief noting that he was yet to see his son’s body following the tragic incident.
“I have not even gone to see my child, I don’t know how he looks like, I’m just here stricken with grief.”
Also Read: Boniface Mwangi: Inspiring Story of Former House Boy & Hawker Leading Finance Bill Protests
Furthermore, he appealed to the government, including the governor and senator, to assist in bringing his son’s body home.
“I appeal to our Governor, Senator and the whole government, to assist me in bringing my son’s body home,” said the father.
Government Blamed for Protests
Another relative blamed the government for the incident, stating that the introduction of the Finance Bill 2024 led to the protests in which Nyongesa lost his life.
The relative said the government should take responsibility and help the family with the burial.
“This issue was brought about by that bill, which was brought and then forced onto the people, if not for the government’s actions people would not have died.”
“So, the government should take responsibility for those who have died, it should help to shoulder the burden because of the actions it chose to take,” said the relative.
Furthermore, the family revealed that Nyongesa had left home in November 2023 in search of employment and was helping with the family’s upkeep.
His mother expressed concern for the three children he left behind, as she is now responsible for their care but has no means to provide for them.
“He used to find something small and send something back home, he has 3 kids and I’m responsible for taking care of them, but now I don’t have anything so I’m even wondering how I will provide for these children,” said the mother.
KNCHR Clarifies on Protestor Death
A report by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) revealed that 361 people were injured across the country during the two weeks of protests.
The Commission also noted that at least 39 people had been killed in the ongoing protests with Nairobi being the most affected with 17 fatalities.
Other regions recorded deaths as follows; Nakuru (3) Laikipia (1), Narok (1), Kajiado (3), Uasin Gishu (4) Kakamega (1) Kisumu (2), Kisii (1), Mombasa (3), Siaya (1), Kiambu (1) and Nandi (1).
Also Read: Gen Z Protester Narrates Life After Surviving 6 Gun Shot Wounds
These statistics contradict an earlier statement by President William Ruto who noted that only 19 people had been killed.
The government has been adamant that those killed were criminals, endangering both lives and property.
Human rights organizations, however, have refuted these claims, raising concerns over the excessive use of force by law enforcers, which have led to loss of innocent lives.
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