On July 16, 2024, during anti-government protests in Mlolongo, tragedy struck the Mwandikwa family.
Sammy Mwandikwa, a 27-year-old driver who had recently moved to Nairobi for a new job, was shot dead. The incident has left his family in deep sorrow and has sparked a call for justice.
Sammy Mwandikwa was born in Itungali village, Mwingi Central. He had only been in Nairobi for a short time after securing a job as a driver.
On the day of his death, Sammy had just dropped off his boss at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
According to his family, Sammy was on his way home to his wife, who was ill. He was shot just a few meters from his house in Mlolongo.
Sammy’s family, including his mother, Monica Mwandikwa, and his wife, Eunice Peter, are devastated by his sudden death.
They say that Sammy was not involved in the protests. Instead, he was hurrying home to take care of his ailing wife.
Eunice Peter, his wife, married Sammy only three months before his death. She and the rest of the family are struggling to come to terms with their loss.
Monica Mwandikwa, Sammy’s mother, describes her son as a source of hope and support. After Sammy’s father left when he was young, Monica had hoped that Sammy would be able to provide for her and support her in her old age.
Now, her hopes have been shattered. She pleads with the government to take responsibility and offer compensation for her son’s death.
According to reports, Sammy’s wife called Monica late on the night of July 16, informing her that Sammy had not come home and his phone was off.
Monica and the family began searching for him with the help of his employer. Their search ended in heartbreak when they discovered Sammy’s body at the City Mortuary. He had been shot in the chest, and the family was left to grieve.
The protests in Mlolongo that day were marked by violence. Witnesses reported that two people were shot dead, and five motorcycles were set on fire. It is alleged that the deaths resulted from gunshot wounds inflicted by police officers.
The violence in the area led to chaos and panic, with many people being injured or losing their lives.
Sammy’s family is now demanding justice. They are calling for the police officers responsible for the shootings to be held accountable.
They also want the government to compensate families who have lost loved ones during the protests.
Monica Mwandikwa, in particular, is appealing for financial support to help her with living expenses and the education of other children she is caring for.
The Mwandikwa family’s plea for justice highlights a broader issue in Kenya regarding the use of force by police during protests.
There have been numerous reports of violence and unnecessary use of force by law enforcement agencies. These incidents have sparked outrage and calls for reform from various sectors of society.
As the family mourns their loss, they hope that their calls for justice will lead to meaningful changes that can prevent such tragedies in the future.
The community in Mlolongo and beyond has rallied around the Mwandikwa family, offering condolences and support.
Many people are expressing their anger and frustration over the use of violence during the protests. They are also calling for a thorough investigation into Sammy’s death and the broader issue of police brutality.
In the meantime, Monica Mwandikwa and her family continue to grieve the loss of their beloved son. They are left with the painful task of moving forward without him, while hoping that their calls for justice will be heard.
0 Comments