The tragic death of Kennedy Onyango in Ong’ata Rongai on June 27 has sparked intense debate, with President William Ruto asserting that a civilian, not a police officer, fired the fatal shots. This incident, part of the broader unrest surrounding the anti-Finance Bill protests, highlights the volatile intersection of civil demonstrations, law enforcement, and political narratives in Kenya.
President Ruto’s Controversial Claim
In the wake of the shooting, President Ruto has maintained that Kennedy Onyango was killed by a civilian who had wrested a firearm from a police officer during the chaos. This stance diverges from widely circulated accounts and public opinion. According to Ruto, the chaotic moment saw protestors overpower a police officer, seizing his pistol. One protestor allegedly fired shots into the air before the weapon was recovered by police.
Ruto reiterated his position during an X Space conversation with the youth, emphasizing that the 12-year-old’s death was not at the hands of the police but rather a consequence of the turmoil created by “criminals” who snatched the gun. This version of events, however, has faced significant skepticism and criticism, especially given the nature of the injuries Onyango sustained—being shot eight times.
Public and Political Reactions
The public response has been one of shock and anger, with many accusing the government and law enforcement of excessive force and mishandling the situation. Social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), have become hotbeds for dissenting voices, with users questioning the credibility of Ruto’s claims. Witness accounts and other reports seem to contradict the president’s narrative, suggesting a more direct involvement of the police in the shooting.
Efforts by President Ruto to reach out to the bereaved family, particularly Kennedy’s mother, Jessica Onyango, have been highlighted in his communications, though they have not yet yielded a direct conversation. His promise of government support for the families of victims and those injured during the protests is seen by some as an attempt to mitigate the growing discontent and restore public trust.
The Broader Context of the Anti-Finance Bill Protests
The protests in Rongai and across Kenya were initially sparked by opposition to new taxes proposed in the Finance Bill for the upcoming financial year. What began as peaceful demonstrations soon escalated into violent confrontations by June 25, resulting in significant casualties and property damage.
The Kenya National Human Rights Commission (KNHRC) has documented the toll of these protests: at least 41 people dead and 361 injured. The commission’s chairperson, Roseline Odede, has underscored the transformation of peaceful protests into deadly clashes, expressing concern over the handling of the demonstrations and the use of force by security forces.
The geographic spread of the victims highlights the nationwide impact of the unrest, with deaths reported across several counties, including Nairobi, Nakuru, and Kajiado. The protests reflect deep-seated grievances and widespread dissatisfaction with government policies, underscoring the complex socio-political landscape in Kenya.
Navigating the Truth and Seeking Justice
As the nation grapples with the aftermath of these protests and the tragic death of Kennedy Onyango, the need for transparency and accountability is paramount. President Ruto’s narrative has introduced a controversial element to the discourse, one that challenges the prevailing assumptions and demands thorough investigation.
For many, the heart of the matter lies in finding justice for Kennedy Onyango and other victims of the protests. The public demands clarity on whether the violence was perpetrated by civilians or if it was a consequence of state actions. Independent investigations and impartial postmortem examinations are crucial to uncovering the truth and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.
Moving Forward
The Ong’ata Rongai incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of peace during civil unrest and the importance of responsible leadership and law enforcement. It also underscores the power of public narrative and the role of media and communication in shaping perceptions and responses to such crises.
In the coming weeks and months, the focus will likely remain on how the government addresses the grievances that led to the protests and how it manages the fallout from the violence. For President Ruto and his administration, rebuilding trust and ensuring justice for victims like Kennedy Onyango will be essential steps toward national reconciliation and stability.