Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina has expressed deep sorrow following the passing of John Mwangi, a protester who was injured during demonstrations against the 2024 Finance Bill.
In a statement on Friday, April 4, Njeri said Mwangi, a resident of Ndia, Kirinyaga County, sustained severe injuries from a teargas canister explosion during the protests.
He was admitted to Kenyatta National Hospital where he has been receiving treatment until his death in March.
"John Mwangi was injured by a teargas canister explosion during the 2024 finance bill protests. When I visited his family home and spoke with his bereaved parents, my heart sank. I am in custody of videos showing grotesque scenes of the explosion and the immediate aftermath of the injuries he suffered.
"He was unarmed, he was not an aggressor, he was a victim of this country’s bad governance and systemic oppression of its disenfranchised citizens. He suffered life-threatening injuries that had him admitted at Kenyatta National Hospital until his demise last month," she said.
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Njeri revealed that her office worked closely with Kenyatta National Hospital to settle Mwangi’s medical bills, and acknowledged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) for their involvement in the case.
"My office liaised with KNH to clear his Bill, which is now fully alleviated, further, we are pursuing the matter of compensation with the relevant ministry. I’d like to thank IPOA for their cooperation & assistance along the way; while noting that the issue of post-mortem has not been addressed conclusively so that mama Mwangi and the family can lay him to rest," she added.
Njeri called for justice and a dignified send-off for Mwangi, further reaffirming her commitment to advocating for justice and accountability.
"This comrade deserves a dignified funeral, one that befits his courage to stand up against economic and social injustice young people of this great nation are ridden by.
"As a young leader in this nation, I will continue speaking out against vices like this and pushing for good governance and culpability of officers involved," she concluded.
