Kennedy Onyango, a 12-year-old boy, tragically lost his life after being shot with eight live bullets during the Anti-Finance Bill demonstrations. His death has sparked widespread outrage and sorrow across social media platforms.
During a live press briefing, Linus Kaikai from Citizen TV, representing Royal Media, confronted President William Ruto, asking what he would say to Kennedy's grieving mother. President Ruto initially responded with a question, "He's alive, right?" only to be informed that the boy had indeed died. Ruto then assured the boy's mother that thorough investigations are underway and vowed that her son's death would be accounted for.
This response has not sat well with many young Kenyans online, who perceive the President's reaction as dismissive and indicative of a broader lack of seriousness regarding the current issues plaguing the country. The incident has amplified criticism of the government's handling of the protests and the perceived disconnect between the administration and the citizens' realities.
The President's assurance comes just days after his controversial public statement, in which he claimed that only six people had lost their lives during the protests— a figure widely disputed by Kenyans who believe the death toll is higher. The discrepancy between the reported numbers and public perception has further fueled distrust and frustration among the populace.
Kennedy Onyango's death symbolizes the high cost of the ongoing unrest and has intensified calls for accountability and justice. The young boy's tragic fate has become a poignant reminder of the need for compassionate and effective leadership in addressing the nation's challenges. As the country grapples with these difficult times, the government's response to such incidents will be crucial in shaping public sentiment and restoring trust.
For those interested in watching the President Ruto's response, it can be found at the 7-minute mark of the video linked below.
https://youtu.be/sBivyw499GU?si=i8iV2Uq-W4GWvuYg