PHOTOS: Grade 8 pupil laid to rest as family demands justice

Wesley Njiru's mother Stella Nyawira overwhelmed by emotions during the viewing of the body. [Patrick Vidija, Standard]

A Grade 8 pupil who died under mysterious circumstances at a city school has been laid to rest.

Wesley Njiru, a 13-year-old pupil at Joy Gardens Primary School in Umoja-Tena at the time of his death was buried today at the Langata Cemetery after a funeral service at St Peter's Methodist Church.

Wesley Njiru's parents Simon Njiru and Stella Nyawira lay a wreath of flowers at his grave at the Langata Cemetry in Nairobi. [Patrick Vidija, Standard]

Njiru's burial happened even as the family vowed to fight until justice is served.

The family said justice for Wesley will play a critical role in ensuring that schools provide a safe environment for learners bestowed to them.

Some of Wesley Njiru's classmates during the viewing of the body. [Patrick Vidija, Standard]

"My dear son, as I navigate the depths of grief, I want you to know that you are loved beyond measure.........As your beautiful soul rests in eternal peace, I promise that I will fight until justice is served," said Stella Nyawira, the mother to the deceased.

Terming Wesley as a charming young man whose laughter echoed through the walls filling their home with joy, Nyawira said the person who took her son's life will have no peace until justice is served.

Some of the parents from Joy Gardens Primary School view Wesley Njiru's body. [Patrick Vidija, Standard]

"Although you are no longer physically with us, your spirit lives on. You continue to inspire me to embrace life fully, even in the face of heartache," said Nyawira.

Her sentiments were echoed by Wesley's father Simon Njiru who said no parent deserves to bury their child at such a tender age.

Wesley Njiru was buried at the Langata cemetery on March 20, 2024. [Patrick Vidija, Standard]

"I stand here grappling with the cruel reality of a life cut short. My world has been shuttered into a million pieces. A senseless act of violence robbed me of your bright future leaving behind a void too vast to comprehend. My heart aches at the thought of the pain you endured in your final moments, the fear and confusion that gripped you before you took your last breath," said Mr Njiru.

Wesley was reported dead on March 8, after he allegedly fell from the rooftop of an eight-storey building that houses the school.

Wesley Njiru was buried at the Langata cemetery on March 20, 2024. [Patrick Vidija, Standard]

Five suspects linked to the murder were last week released on a Sh500,000 cash bail each.

The Five Jane Kamau, James Mungai, Caroline Matheka, Antony Kimani and Vanice Bosire were directed to deposit the amount or an alternative bond of Sh300,000 each and surety of a similar amount.

Wesley Njiru was buried at the Langata cemetery on March 20, 2024. [Patrick Vidija, Standard]

Senior Principal Magistrate Justus Kituku in his orders directed the suspects to surrender all travel documents to the police and present themselves anytime called upon by the police.

The prosecution had sought to hold the suspects for 21 days to conclude investigations into the possible murder of Wesley Njiru.

Some of the parents from Joy Gardens Primary School view Wesley Njiru's body. [Patrick Vidija, Standard]

The Prosecution argued that if released, the suspects would interfere with key witnesses in the case majority being pupils and staff at the school.

"The respondents hold senior positions at the school. Two of them are directors and one a headteacher, with these positions, they are likely going to interfere with our work," the prosecution said.

Wesley Njiru's siblings during the viewing of the body. [Patrick Vidija, Standard]

But the Magistrate in his ruling said the prosecution had not presented any evidence that directly linked the suspects to the death of Wesley.

But Senior Principal Magistrate Justus Kituku in his orders directed the suspects to surrender all travel documents to the police and present themselves anytime called upon by the police.

"Until a decision is made by this court, the respondents shall not access the premises of the school, directly or indirectly interfere with the investigations," said Justice Kituku.

Wesley Njiru's mother leads other family relatives in lighting a candle in his honour during a funeral service at St Peter's Methodist Church in Langata. [Patrick Vidija, Standard]

The deceased started his education at Rosslyn Academy in Umoja where he schooled until grade 5.

In 2022, Wesley was transferred to By Faith Academy until Grade 7 when opted to challenge himself and join a boarding school.

In January 2024, he Joined Joy Gardens for his Grade 8 studies.

He dreamt of being a pilot or an engineer if not a professional football player in his later years.