By Felix Njenga
A postmortem report has confirmed that 12-year-old Bridgit Njoki died from a single gunshot wound to the head while she was at home watching television during the Saba Saba demonstrations on Monday. The report, conducted at St. Teresa Hospital in Thindigua, Kiambu Town, stated that the cause of death was traumatic brain injury resulting from a penetrating injury to the head, consistent with a gunshot.
According to the report, Njoki suffered a single entry wound to the left frontal scalp measuring 0.5 cm, with no exit wound. The internal appearance of the body was reported as normal, and no other physical injuries were noted.
Njoki was in her Ndumberi home when the tragic incident occurred, sparking widespread outrage and condemnation over the use of live bullets during protests.
The family of the late Njoki is struggling to come to terms with the devastating loss, as leaders across Kiambu have condemned the excessive use of force by police.
Micheal Karanga, Kenya’s top amateur golfer and founder of the Micheal Karanga Foundation, which sponsors children to learn golf for free expressed deep sorrow over Njoki’s death. He revealed that Njoki was one of his most promising students and had won several trophies through the foundation.
“I cannot imagine Njoki is gone as she had a future in the golfing world. In our office lies the trophy she won at Migaa Golf Club and many other certificates. I will miss her. She has left us with a heavy heart,” Karanga said.
He lamented that Njoki had done nothing wrong, as she was inside her home watching television during the protests. “Children know nothing of maandamano. Njoki was innocent. Police should not have used live bullets.”
Karanga pledged that the foundation would support Njoki’s family during this difficult time and called for justice to prevail.
Thomas Kimari, a businessman and neighbour, also called for accountability, insisting that someone must be held responsible for the child’s death.
“Police should not have shot into people’s homes since protests were being conducted on the roads,” Kimari said.
He added that residents were left terrified, noting that several bullet shells were found inside compounds and on rooftops in the area.
“The use of live bullets on residents is unconstitutional and has led to innocent people who are not involved in the protests losing their lives,” Kimari added.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK), Kiambu Chapter, in a statement released yesterday signed by Munene Warutere, Vice Chair, on behalf of Beth Fundi, Chair of the LSK Kiambu Chapter, vehemently condemned what it described as a heinous act and a grave violation of Njoki’s right to life.
The chapter highlighted the increasing recklessness in the use of force against unarmed civilians, including children, during what they termed peaceful demonstrations.
“This is wholly unacceptable. No family should suffer the horror of losing a child in such a senseless and preventable manner,” the statement read.
The LSK Kiambu Chapter has pledged unwavering support to Bridget’s grieving family.
” A dedicated team of our members has been assigned to pursue justice on the family’s behalf, we vow to leave no stone unturned in holding the perpetrators accountable and in demanding systemic reforms to prevent such tragedies in the future.” The statement further read
The chapter has also called upon the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and other relevant agencies to expedite investigations, emphasizing the need for justice not only for Njoki but for all victims of police brutality.
The tragic incident has intensified calls for police reform and a thorough investigation into the use of force during the demonstrations.
Elizabeth Angira 
Mt Kenya Times