Bridgit Njoki, a 12-year-old girl, was shot in her home during anti-government protests in Kenya, leading to a national outcry for accountability and peace amidst increasing violence and loss of innocent lives.
Grief Strikes Kenya: 12-Year-Old Girl Shot Amid Protests

Grief Strikes Kenya: 12-Year-Old Girl Shot Amid Protests
The tragic death of Bridgit Njoki has ignited a call for justice in Kenya's ongoing protests against government oppression.
In a tragic turn of events during escalating protests, Bridgit Njoki, a 12-year-old girl, was fatally struck by a bullet while she watched TV in her home in Ndumberi, Kenya. As protests gripped the nation, Njoki's family experienced the unimaginable when a stray bullet from clashes between law enforcement and demonstrators pierced their roof, leaving her mother, Lucy Ngugi, in utter devastation. “She was my everything,” Ngugi mourned, imploring an end to the violence that has taken many innocent lives.
Njoki’s death is among the most recent casualties in a series of demonstrations calling for justice, fairness, and reform. As cited by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, nearly 70 individuals have died since these protests began, reflecting growing frustration over issues such as increased living costs and police brutality. The day Njoki died revealed a harsh reality of violent confrontations as authorities prepared for protests by barricading roads, leading to unrest in neighborhoods as crowd control measures turned lethal.
While local authorities have refuted claims that a bullet could have traveled to Njoki's home from the main road, a post-mortem revealed evidence contrary to that claim, confirming her death was due to a gunshot wound. Residents believed they were far removed from the chaos, a sentiment abruptly shattered by the violence that emerged during the protests.
Bridgit Njoki was not just a student but a beloved member of her family. She excelled at school, described by her loved ones as responsible, caring, and devoted to her family and community. The heartbreaking loss has left her family and neighbors in mourning, with her empty chair symbolizing the void her absence has created.
The wave of violence has drawn international condemnation, and calls for justice have been intensified, especially after remarks by President Ruto advocating harsh measures against protesters. The escalating conflict highlights a deep-seated tension within Kenyan society, where the cries for justice and accountability have become critical.
As the protests continue, Lucy Ngugi calls for peace and compassion, sharing her desire for Njoki's story to be the last of its kind: “Let this not happen to any other parent.” Her plea underscores the urgent need for dialogue and accountability in Kenya's fraught political landscape.