KIRITIRI, EMBU COUNTY – A palpable sense of grief and simmering anger hangs heavy over the town of Kiritiri in Embu County. Last Monday’s “Saba Saba” protests, which echoed across the nation, left a trail of tragedy in this bustling agricultural town, resulting in the death of a teenage boy and an unconfirmed number of serious injuries. Now, a community in mourning is adamant in its demand for justice and accountability.
The nationwide demonstrations on July 7, 2025, a date historically associated with pro-democracy movements in Kenya, saw thousands of Kenyans, largely led by the youth, take to the streets to voice their frustrations over the high cost of living, alleged government corruption, and police brutality. While protests were widespread, the events in Kiritiri took a particularly devastating turn.
Sixteen-year-old Benedict Muthomi, a Form Two student, tragically lost his life during the confrontations that erupted in the town. Reports on the circumstances surrounding his death vary, with some local sources alleging he was beaten to death by police, while others report a protester was shot and killed in Kiritiri on the same day. The lack of a clear and official account has only fueled the anguish and suspicion of the local community.
The family of Benedict Muthomi has been plunged into profound grief, and their sorrow is shared by a community that is now demanding a thorough and transparent investigation into the death of the young student. The call for “Justice for Benedict” has become a rallying cry for many in Kiritiri and the wider Mbeere South Constituency.
Adding to the local tensions was the arrest of Manyatta Member of Parliament, Gitonga Mukunji, in connection with the protests. His detention on allegations of inciting public violence sparked further demonstrations in Embu County on Tuesday, with his constituents and supporters demanding his release. While the MP has since been released on bail, his arrest has been widely seen by many locals as a move to silence dissenting voices.
National human rights organizations have reported that the Saba Saba protests resulted in numerous fatalities and injuries across the country, painting a grim picture of the clashes between civilians and law enforcement. While precise, verified figures for Kiritiri remain elusive, the confirmed death of a teenager and the chaotic scenes described by eyewitnesses suggest that a significant number of people sustained serious injuries.
This is not the first time Kiritiri has witnessed heated protests. Earlier in February 2025, traders in the town held demonstrations against what they termed as unfulfilled development promises by the county government, a protest that also reportedly turned chaotic. This history of public discontent highlights a deeper well of frustration within the community.
As the nation grapples with the aftermath of the July 7th protests, the residents of Kiritiri are steadfast in their resolve. They are not only mourning the loss of a young life cut short but are also demanding a fundamental shift in how the state responds to public dissent. The quest for answers for Benedict Muthomi has become a symbol of a community’s refusal to be silenced, a testament to their unwavering demand for accountability and a future where protests do not end in tragedy.
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