The family of Raphael Shigali, the Bantamweight Champion, is yet to come to terms with the death of their kin who died during Azimio protests around Mogas Petrol Station in Makadara, along Jogoo road.
According to reports, the boxing champion died of a single gunshot to the head as police battled protesters.
“On Wednesday we were with him in the house before he left. When the gunshots intensified, I called him, and he told him he is at Makadara.
I told him to hurry and not be late because of the protest,” Shigali’s widow Judy Wanjiku recalled.
What she did not know was that it would be her last conversation with her husband. At around 6:pm she received the call receiving the news about her husband’s death.
Also Read: Azimio Protests Catch United Nations Attention
According to eyewitnesses, the late boxer was caught in the crossfire between protesters and the police officers.
Azimio protests claim a champion
“I have known him since he was young. I saw him and witnessed him participate in many games. He was an active sportsman for long in order to become a champion. It is a loss especially to us coaches. It takes time to become a champion,” one of the coaches mourned.
Raphael was a trainer for upcoming boxing players in Jericho within the Makadara area. He also played for Novice and won in Nairobi, intermediate level and nationally.
Additionally, he was to represent the country in the next Olympic with the hope of coming back home with a medal.
The family of the late Raphael Shigali is appealing for justice with calls for action against the officer who fired the shot that fell their kin.
Also Read: Nairobi Expressway Services Interrupted by Protests
United Nations concerns over Azimio protests
The United Nations through its Human Rights Office called for prompt, thorough, independent and transparent investigations into the deaths and injuries stemming from the protests.
In addition, the UN Human Rights Office spokesperson Jeremy Laurence said that those responsible must face the law and both parties to take measures to prevent further injuries and deaths.
At least 17 people died following the Wednesday, July 13 demonstrations that rocked different parts of the country.
