Bridgit Njoki, a 12-year-old girl, was tragically shot in her home during anti-government protests in Kenya. Her mother, Lucy Ngugi, mourns her loss as calls for accountability from law enforcement grow. As protests continue over rising costs and government actions, Njoki’s death becomes a poignant symbol of the conflict and a plea for dialogue.
Tragic Shooting of 12-Year-Old in Kenya Sparks Outrage Amid Ongoing Protests

Tragic Shooting of 12-Year-Old in Kenya Sparks Outrage Amid Ongoing Protests
The death of Bridgit Njoki has intensified calls for justice as violence escalates in Kenya amid anti-government demonstrations.
In a heartbreaking incident that underscores the escalating violence in Kenya, 12-year-old Bridgit Njoki was shot on July 7 while watching television in her family’s home in Ndumberi, just outside Nairobi. This tragic event unfolded amidst widespread anti-government protests where frustrations over issues like rising living costs and police brutality erupted into conflict. Njoki’s mother, Lucy Ngugi, recounts the moment, explaining how a single bullet crashed through their roof, striking her daughter in the head. Despite immediate medical attention, Njoki was announced dead shortly thereafter, leaving her family in profound grief.
Described as the light of her family, Njoki was the firstborn and excelled in school, always striving to be the best student. Her grandmother, Margaret Njeri, recalled how the family believed they were safe from the violence that had swept the nation, highlighting their shock when the chaos penetrated their quiet home. Although the police have dismissed claims of a stray bullet reaching their locality, a post-mortem examination confirms that Njoki’s fatal injury was indeed consistent with a gunshot wound.
The ongoing unrest has resulted in nearly 70 fatalities, with many others injured, as stated by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. Protests fueled by discontent over government policies have drawn national and international attention, sparking condemnation regarding the police's use of force. The United Nations has voiced concern over the fatal violence, urging accountability and restraint.
President William Ruto's administration has taken a hardline position against the protestors, threatening severe repercussions for those involved in property destruction. Critics, however, argue that such rhetoric contributes to a climate of fear and desperation among citizens pushing for reform.
In her emotional plea, Ngugi urged the government to address the issues leading to these protests rather than allowing them to further spiral into violence. “Let there be no more sacrifices,” she implored, calling for an end to the cycle of grief and retaliation. Njoki’s death, emblematic of the innocent lives caught in the crossfire of political turmoil, has resonated widely, becoming a potent symbol in the fight against state violence and a call for greater empathy in Kenyan governance.
As protests continue and more families grieve the losses, the need for meaningful dialogue and peace remains ever urgent, with many hoping for transformative change that honors the memories of those like Njoki.