Victim of shooting laid to rest amid outcry by family

Youth gathered at Uhuru Park in Nairobi for Saba Saba Memorial concert in honour of those killed by police during the country-wide anti-tax protests on July 7, 2024. [Samson Wire, Standard]

David Chege, the young man fatally shot outside Parliament during recent protests, was laid to rest in his hometown of Mangu Village, Gatundu North.

On Tuesday, family and friends gathered to bid farewell to the IT professional, whose life was tragically cut short on June 25.

Graphic images of Chege's lifeless body, soaked in blood, circulated widely on social media, triggering widespread outrage and national debate.

In a poignant ceremony, the family shared their heart-wrenching account of grief and disbelief over the loss of their beloved son.

Nancy Mwangi, recounting the events leading to her cousin's death, described his passing as a deeply painful ordeal that no family should endure.

“He left for work, which he loved most as many of you know what freelance entails. But in the midst, he also joined the demonstrations. Unfortunately, as he scampered for safety, he got shot and sadly we lost him,” said Ms Mwangi.

She said she learned of her cousin's death at around 5pm, adding that he died after being shot in the head. “I got the news from social media. It was hard to believe what I saw. Chege was only fighting for the rights of Kenyans."

Mwangi urged the government to protect the protesters "who just want their voices to be heard, their grievances met, and not threatened as some are abducted".

Hellen Muthoni, another cousin of Chege, said: “The only crime he committed was to fight for the rights of fellow citizens and ask the government to give justice.”

The funeral drew activists, including Haki Africa's Khalid Hussein, Boniface Mwangi, and Hanifa Adan. Notably absent were politicians, as mourners used the somber occasion to decry police brutality.

Chege was a respected IT professional and a Sunday school teacher at the Jubilee Christian Church.

Attendees draped themselves in the national flag as a show of solidarity and patriotism. 

During the service, Boniface presented Chege's family with a Kenyan flag, stating that their son had paid the ultimate price for his patriotism.

He urged Kenyans to continue the fight against what he termed bad leadership, suggesting they replace portraits of President Ruto with the national flag.

The government has maintained that 25 people were killed in protests nationwide, while rights groups claim a higher toll of 39 deaths and 361 injuries.

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (Ipoa) has launched investigations into deaths that occurred during the demonstrations. Ipoa chairperson Anne Makori reported that post-mortem reports have been obtained and crime scenes documented.

During recent Saba Saba celebrations at Uhuru Park, protesters gathered to honour those who lost their lives.