Kenyans have responded emotionally to the interment of victims who were slain during demonstrations against the 2024 Finance Bill. A unique aspect of these burials is that the Kenyan flag was draped over the coffins of some of the protesters.
This idea was proposed by Boniface Mwangi who is a human rights activist who opines that the fallen demonstrators do deserve to be honored in this manner since they died actually fighting for justice.
One of the young protesters who were killed during the demonstrations against the Finance Bill Act was Rex Masai a 29-year-old. His burial was conducted in Machakos county accompanied with people grief and sorrow throughout the funeral service.
Several people embraced and shed tears during the occasion, especially when mourning for the deceased protestor. Some people appreciated it while others had negative feelings towards the idea of burying the protesters with the Kenyan flag.
Others hold a positive view concerning this theory, and they argue that it is reasonable to commemorate our dear ones who sacrificed their lives for equal rights.
However, some have opposed it by saying that the tradition is to carry the nation’s flag to be buried with, but this is reserved for state figures and officers. This prompted critics to argue that the flag should never be brought low and should always remain aloft. Some people think that the flag is important in some particular way and should not be used during burial activities.
Some went as far as describing the implications of burying the flag as being sinful and evil. Those in favor of such proposal indicate that the move is patriotic as it seeks to remember the protesters who were killed for demanding change. They think that these individuals gave their lives for the country and deserve the honors.
Advocate Boniface Mwangi who campaigned for burial with Kenyan flag described the government as partial in addressing concerns of the public on the content of the contentious Finance Bill. He had no choice but to question the need for no resignations or even an official apology from the government.
https://www.tuko.co.ke/people/family/554408-rex-masai-mixed-reactions-protester-buried-casked-draped-kenyan-flag/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2WeP5Kjrldg0fyKgYqQIqhxbngwlWODd5Pn-2l90yGCrsbSQMpgX-WXq8_aem_9XEsP2Hsg-fpxvFnKOtRgg