On January 20, 2020, a tragic incident occurred during the Kasarani-Mwiki road protests, resulting in the death of a 17-year-old boy, Stephen Machurusi.
Stephen, a resident of Sunton Kasarani, was shot while attempting to dispose of protesters. His mother, Esther Wangui, had spoken with him earlier that day, and he had promised to call her later, unaware that it would be his last conversation with her.
Esther Wangui received the devastating news of her son's demise through a phone call from her daughter, Lilian Waringa. 'I just started shaking,' she said, recalling her reaction to the news.
As she pushed through the crowd to identify her son's body, Esther Wangui saw the traces of a white substance smeared on his lips, which was later revealed to be glucose given to him by motorcycle operators who were attempting to save his life.
Witnesses on the scene reported that Stephen was shot while showing signs of surrender, with his hands raised and on his knees. The police officer who shot him was reportedly dressed in casual clothes, but witnesses claim they can identify him.
Esther Wangui expressed her outrage and grief, asking questions about the police officer's actions: 'Does he have a child? Does he know about the law? Why did he use live bullets on my unarmed child?'
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority is currently investigating the killings.
