Bridgit Njoki, a 12-year-old girl, was shot dead during anti-government protests in Kenya while watching TV in her family home. The bullet pierced through the roof, leading to her tragic demise. Her family mourns the loss and calls for an end to the violence, highlighting the growing discontent in the country over issues like police brutality and economic hardship.
Tragic Loss: Kenyan Protests Claim Life of 12-Year-Old Bridgit Njoki
Tragic Loss: Kenyan Protests Claim Life of 12-Year-Old Bridgit Njoki
In a heartbreaking turn of events amidst escalating protests in Kenya, the life of 12-year-old Bridgit Njoki was tragically cut short when a stray bullet struck her while she was watching television at home, prompting calls for peace and justice from her grieving family.
On Monday, amid widespread anti-government demonstrations in Kenya, a tragedy unfolded in the quiet home of 12-year-old Bridgit Njoki. As she sat watching television with her family on July 7, a single bullet — fired during clashes between protesters and police — pierced through the roof of their modest residence, striking Njoki in the head. Within hours, she was declared dead at a local hospital, leaving her family in profound grief.
Her mother, Lucy Ngugi, expressed her sorrow to reporters, stating, “She was my everything. I wish she had been playing outside… but inside the house? Oh Lord, this is painful.” Njoki’s death marks her as one of the youngest victims amid escalating protests that have unfolded throughout Kenya over the last month. The protests stem from frustration over rising costs, tax increases, and ongoing reports of police brutality. According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, nearly 70 fatalities are linked to the protests since June 17.
On the day Njoki lost her life, security forces fortified major roadways in anticipation of the demonstrations. Eyewitness accounts describe officers deploying tear gas and, in some instances, live ammunition in residential areas where protesters congregated. Njoki's distressing incident was met with skepticism from police, who asserted that it would be impossible for a bullet to reach her home from the main road. However, a post-mortem examination confirmed a bullet was lodged in her skull, visibly contradicting official claims.
As the firstborn in her family, Njoki left behind a legacy of excellence and kindness. Her grandmother recounted how she excelled in her studies at Benson Njau School and was always there to assist her family. “She was so obedient, so specific, so neat. She was just a very good girl,” her grandmother said tearfully. Njoki’s father remains heartbroken, while her siblings are engulfed in silence, the family haunted by the empty chair where she once sat.
The international community has criticized the Kenyan government for its response to the protests, with the UN expressing deep concern over the use of “lethal ammunition” against demonstrators. Following the protests on July 7, where over 30 deaths were reported, President Ruto took a hard-line stance, inciting further controversy with remarks advocating for severe punishments against protesters.
In Ndumberi, Njoki's family seeks justice amidst the turmoil. “I’ll bury Njoki, but I’ll never forget this day. Let Njoki be the last sacrifice of these protests,” her mother lamented, as they call for an end to the violence that has claimed so many innocent lives. The protests continue to shake the political landscape, with calls for dialogue, accountability, and an end to state repression echoing throughout the nation. “Please, let this not happen to any other parent,” Ngugi implored, embodying the grief and hope for change.
