The recent protests in Kenya against the 2024 Finance Bill led to tragic loss of life, deeply affecting the families of those killed. This report aims to highlight the profound grief experienced by these families and the broader societal impacts, thereby emphasizing the need for justice and systemic change.
Personal Accounts of Grief
1. Credo Oyaro
  — Background: Credo Oyaro, a 17-year-old student, was shot dead during protests in Eldoret.
  — Family Reaction: Raised by his grandmother, Beatrice Akinyi Omolo, after losing his mother at a young age, Credo’s death has left her devastated. She described him as a polite, honest, and industrious boy with a bright future. She expressed immense grief and called for justice.
  — Community Impact: His death has shocked his school community, where he was a top student and athlete. The school’s counselling department continues to support his friends and peers, who are struggling to come to terms with his loss.
2. Abdi Kadir
  — Background: Abdi Kadir, 24, died in the hospital from injuries sustained during the protests.
  — Family Reaction: His family is heartbroken, remembering him as a hard-working individual who supported them financially. His death has left a significant void in their lives, filled with sorrow and unanswered questions about the circumstances leading to his death.
3. Eric Shieni
  — Background: A university student, Eric was killed during protests outside parliament.
  — Family Reaction: Eric’s family is in deep mourning, struggling to cope with the loss of a young life full of potential. His parents have demanded thorough investigations and accountability, seeking justice for their son’s untimely death.
4. Ibrahim Kamau
  — Background: Ibrahim Kamau, 19, had just finished high school and was looking forward to studying electrical work.
  — Family Reaction: His mother expressed profound grief over the loss of her son’s future and dreams. The family is overwhelmed with sorrow and demands justice for the unnecessary violence that led to Ibrahim’s death.
5. Kennedy Onyango
  — Background: Kennedy, a 12-year-old boy, was tragically shot during the protests.
  — Family Reaction: His family is shattered by the loss of such a young life. The brutal circumstances of his death have left them in deep sorrow and anger, questioning the excessive use of force by the police.
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Societal Impact of Grief
1. Mental Health Crisis.
  — Widespread Trauma: The violent deaths of protest victims have triggered widespread trauma not only among immediate families but also within the broader community. Witnessing or learning about such events can lead to PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
  — Lack of Support Systems: Many affected individuals lack access to adequate mental health services, increasing the psychological toll of their loss. The stigma associated with mental health issues in Kenya further discourages people from seeking help.
2. Community Solidarity and Activism.
  — Increased Activism: The shared grief has united communities, leading to increased activism and collective calls for justice. Families of the victims often become vocal advocates, turning their pain into a driving force for change.
  — Grassroots Movements: These tragic events have sparked grassroots movements, with community members organizing protests, memorials, and advocacy campaigns to demand accountability and systemic reform.
The shared grief has united communities, leading to increased activism and collective calls for justice.
3. Economic Hardship.
  — Loss of Breadwinners: Many victims were primary providers for their families. Their deaths have plunged their families into financial instability, leading to difficulties in affording necessities such as food, shelter, and education.
  — Increased Poverty: The loss of income from the deceased breadwinners can push families further into poverty, increasing existing socio-economic inequalities and making it harder for them to recover and move forward.
4. Public Perception of Government and Police.
  — Erosion of Trust: The excessive use of force by police during the protests has significantly eroded public trust in law enforcement and government institutions. This distrust can lead to decreased cooperation with authorities and a rise in social unrest.
  — Demand for Reform: There is a growing demand for police reform and greater accountability within government institutions. Public pressure is mounting for transparent investigations into the deaths and for systemic changes to prevent future occurrences.
Young people, who make up a significant portion of the protestors, may become increasingly disillusioned with the political system.
5. Political and Social Stability
— Increased Polarization: The deaths have made political and social divisions in Kenya worse. Supporters of the protests and the victims’ families may become more extreme in their views, while those who oppose the protests may become more entrenched, leading to a more divided society.
  — Potential for Further Unrest: Without meaningful reforms and accountability, the ongoing grievances and lack of trust in the government can lead to further protests and social unrest, destabilizing the political landscape.
6. Impact on Youth and Future Generations.
  — Young people, who make up a significant portion of the protestors, may become increasingly disillusioned with the political system. This disillusionment can lead to a sense of hopelessness and apathy, reducing civic engagement and participation in future democratic processes.
  — Generational Trauma: The trauma experienced by current generations can have long-lasting effects, influencing future generations. Children who witness or are affected by the loss of family members may experience long-term psychological impacts, affecting their development and prospects.
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7. Cultural and Social Norms.
  — Shift in Cultural Narratives: The grief and public outcry can lead to a shift in cultural narratives around justice, accountability, and the role of law enforcement. These events can spark important conversations about human rights and the need for systemic change.
  — Strengthening of Social Bonds: In times of collective grief, social bonds within communities can be strengthened as people come together to support one another. This solidarity can foster resilience and a stronger sense of community identity.
8. Role of Media and Public Awareness.
  — Increased Media Attention: The media plays a crucial role in highlighting the stories of the victims and their families, raising public awareness about the issues at hand. Extensive media coverage can amplify the calls for justice and keep the conversation alive.
  — Global Awareness: International media coverage can draw global attention to the situation in Kenya, prompting international organizations and foreign governments to pressure the Kenyan authorities for reforms and accountability.
The grief experienced by the families of those killed in the protests against the 2024 Finance Bill in Kenya is profound and far-reaching. Addressing their suffering and ensuring justice is not only a moral imperative, but also essential for fostering a just and equitable society. Immediate and sustained action is required to support these families, hold accountable those responsible, and implement systemic changes to prevent future tragedies.
