Nekesa, whose death sparked national outrage and renewed calls for police accountability, was among several victims of the July 7 demonstrations that turned deadly in various parts of the country.

The burial of 12-year-old Bridget Nekesa, who was tragically killed by a stray bullet during the July 7 Saba Saba protests, is underway in Ndumberi, Kiambu County. Nekesa, whose death sparked national outrage and renewed calls for police accountability, was among several victims of the July 7 demonstrations that turned deadly in various parts of the country.

Her burial has drawn the presence of several opposition leaders, including Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, and Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa, who joined family, friends, and residents in mourning the young girl’s untimely death.

Nekesa was reportedly inside her home when she was struck by a stray bullet as police attempted to disperse demonstrators in Nairobi’s Kiamaiko area during the Saba Saba protests organized by civil society and Gen Z-led movements to decry governance failures.

Her family has since demanded justice and accountability, a call that has resonated widely among Kenyans, with activists and rights organizations demanding an independent investigation into the incident.

Nekesa’s body arrived in a small white casket in Ndumberi on Tuesday with emotions running high as mourners called for an end to police violence.

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has said it is investigating the circumstances of Nekesa’s death, among other reported police shootings during the protests.

Her story has become a national symbol of the unintended consequences of excessive force in public order operations, especially in densely populated urban areas. Capital News

 The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has dismissed claims that it has cleared Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat in connection with the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody in June.

The clarification came hours after the High Court declined to issue interim orders barring Lagat from resuming office, pending the hearing of a suit filed by activist Eliud Matindi.

In a statement issued Monday, IPOA Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan said investigations into Ojwang’s death are still ongoing and that no officer, including Lagat, has been exonerated.

“Preliminary investigations identified some suspects who have since been arraigned in court. IPOA’s investigation is still active, and therefore, the reports suggesting the Authority has exonerated Mr. Lagat are misleading,” Hassan stated.

He added that should investigations implicate Lagat, the Authority will recommend appropriate action to ensure accountability.

In his ruling on Monday, High Court Judge Chacha Mwita directed Lagat to file his official response to Matindi’s petition by July 23 and declined to grant interim orders blocking him from resuming his duties.

Matindi had sought to bar Lagat from exercising the powers of Deputy Inspector General pending the determination of the case, citing legal and ethical concerns, though the full grounds remain under judicial consideration.

Justice Mwita ruled that all parties must be heard before any substantive decision can be made and directed that they appear before him for further directions on July 23.

Torture in custody

Lagat stepped aside from his role on June 16, following intense public pressure after the death of Ojwang, who was allegedly tortured while in custody at Nairobi’s Central Police Station.

Ojwang had been arrested over a social media post critical of Lagat and died a day later in circumstances police initially described as a collapse.

An independent autopsy later contradicted the police account, revealing blunt force trauma, neck compression, and multiple soft tissue injuries consistent with torture.

Conceding to pressure, Lagat said he was stepping aside to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigations and pledged to cooperate fully.

“I undertake to provide any support that may be required of me during the investigations of the unfortunate incident,” he said.

President William Ruto, reacting to public outrage, condemned Ojwang’s death and assured the country that all perpetrators—uniformed or civilian—would be held accountable.

Several police officers, including the Officer Commanding Nairobi Central Police Station, and three civilian detainees were arrested in connection with the incident.

The prosecution subsequently charged two police officers and the three civilian detainees.

IPOA’s investigation included a forensic review of tampered CCTV footage from the police station.

Ojwang’s death sparked widespread protests in Nairobi in July, with demonstrators demanding justice and reforms within the police service. Capital News

A group of Pentecostal clerics from Thika, Kiambu County, has strongly condemned the brutal crackdown on protesting youth across the country, warning that Kenya is on a dangerous spiritual path unless urgent divine intervention is sought.

Led by Prophetess Irene Nyaga, a renowned prophetic voice in the region, the clerics decried the killings, injuries, and arrests witnessed during recent anti-government demonstrations spearheaded by Gen Z.

They emphasised that the unrest is not just political or economic but a reflection of a deeper spiritual decay in the nation. 

“This country is bleeding. We are witnessing the death of our future through bullets and brutality. The youth are not the enemy but the voice of a troubled nation,” said Prophetess Nyaga while addressing journalists from the peak of Mt Kenya, where the clerics have camped for national prayer.

Quoting Daniel 11:31, she said, “God has released His judgement upon Kenya because church leaders have committed abominations that have defiled the holy place. The leadership must return to the altar of prayer, as urged in Isaiah 44:1–5. Only God can give us the breakthrough we desperately need.” 

Over recent weeks, Kenya has witnessed an unprecedented wave of youth-led protests against controversial government proposals, including increased taxation and public debt. 

Kabucua described the Gen Z protests as prophetic movements demanding national repentance.

“We cannot use guns to silence what is spiritual. This generation is crying out not just for jobs, but for righteousness and accountability. As a nation, we’ve strayed from God for far too long.”

The clerics blamed the country's leadership for abandoning spiritual foundations in favour of corruption, violence, and manipulation. 

They noted that it's no coincidence that the youth, often dismissed as rebellious, are now leading the call for justice, truth, and fairness.

Quoting Proverbs 29:2, Nyaga said, “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan. Right now, Kenyans are in mourning. God is not pleased.”

The clergy revealed that during prayer and fasting sessions, including an intercessory pilgrimage to Mt Kenya, they received divine messages for the nation, pointing to Ezekiel 40:2, where the prophet is shown a vision of restoration.

Nyaga warned that unless there is sincere repentance, God’s judgement will intensify.

“God has ordained us to deliver this message: the kingdom of darkness is about to end. He is preparing to hand over leadership to His kingdom—not just in Kenya but across the world. These are bad times, but revival is possible if we turn away from corruption and injustice,” she added.

Phyllis Wanjiru, a congregant who joined the prayers, said the country’s economic collapse is pushing families to the brink.

“The youth are raising genuine concerns, but the government is deaf to their cries. Parents can’t feed their children. Jobs are gone. The response shouldn’t be bullets and tear gas.”

She urged fellow believers to intensify prayers for peace, unity, and wisdom among national leaders.

“If we don’t rise spiritually, we risk losing an entire generation. Kenya is at a crossroads.”

The clerics condemned growing moral decay in society, blaming media, politicians, and even parts of the church for normalising corruption, dishonesty, and greed.

According to Kabucua, Kenya’s healing won’t come from Parliament or courts but from people turning from sin and seeking God’s face.

They warned that deeper calamities loom if Kenya fails to act.

“There is no peace without justice, and no justice without righteousness. Our salvation will not come from bullets or ballots but from broken and prayerful hearts,” said Prophetess Nyaga. By Ndung’u Gachane, The Standard