Kenya is in mourning after the tragic deaths of two young men, Dancun Onsongo and Denzel Omondi, who participated in recent protests against the finance bill proposed by President William Ruto’s government.
These protests, ignited by high taxation and severe economic hardships, have resulted in significant casualties and amplified the urgency of addressing the country's socio-economic challenges.
Dancun Onsongo, a 26-year-old fruit vendor from Mlolongo in Machakos County, became a symbol of the struggle when he went missing on July 2, 2024, during the nationwide protests.
His family, increasingly anxious, reported his disappearance and embarked on a frantic search, visiting hospitals and police stations in a bid to locate him. Their search ended in heartbreak when they discovered his body at Nairobi's City Mortuary.
Grace Kwamboka, Dancun’s mother, was devastated by the loss of her son. Speaking through tears, she appealed to the government for help in burying him, explaining that she lacked the financial means to cover the burial costs.
Dancun’s father shared that the unbearable cost of living and the lack of job opportunities had driven his son to the streets, hoping that his voice would contribute to a call for change.
The disappearance and subsequent death of Denzel Omondi, a 23-year-old student at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), have added to the growing list of young lives cut short in these protests.
Denzel went missing on June 27, just two days after joining other demonstrators who stormed the National Assembly. His body was found on July 7 in a water pool at an abandoned quarry in Juja. Nearby, his backpack was found, containing his university and national identity cards.
An autopsy revealed that Denzel had drowned and had sustained bruises on his head and legs.
His family, grieving the loss of a promising young man, described him as a bright student of quantity surveying with a hopeful future. They have demanded a thorough investigation to uncover the truth behind his death and ensure that justice is served.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has been documenting the casualties resulting from these protests. As of July 1, over 40 deaths and 361 injuries have been reported, with most attributed to police actions during the demonstrations.
The fatalities span across various counties, including Nairobi, Nakuru, Laikipia, Narok, Kajiado, Uasin Gishu, Kakamega, Kisumu, Kisii, Mombasa, Siaya, Kiambu, and Nandi. Additionally, the commission has recorded 32 cases of abductions and 627 incidents of arbitrary arrests.
The deaths of Dancun Onsongo and Denzel Omondi have highlighted the intense pressures faced by young Kenyans. The economic hardships, characterized by soaring living costs and a lack of employment opportunities, have left many feeling desperate and hopeless.
These conditions have fueled widespread discontent and driven thousands to the streets, demanding change and accountability from their government.
The protests against the finance bill are a manifestation of deeper socio-economic issues that have been simmering for years.
The high taxes imposed by the government have exacerbated the already dire economic situation, leaving many struggling to make ends meet.
For young people like Dancun and Denzel, the prospects of finding gainful employment and achieving financial stability have become increasingly bleak.
Dancun's story is particularly poignant. As a fruit vendor, he worked hard to provide for his family, but the rising cost of living made it difficult to sustain a decent standard of living.
His decision to join the protests was driven by a desire to fight for a better future, not just for himself, but for all Kenyans facing similar struggles. His death has left his family in a state of despair, grappling with the loss of a son, brother, and breadwinner.
Denzel’s story is equally tragic. As a student at JKUAT, he was on the path to becoming a quantity surveyor, a profession that held the promise of a bright future.
His participation in the protests was a reflection of his frustration with the current state of affairs and his hope for a better Kenya. His untimely death has robbed the nation of a talented young individual who had the potential to contribute significantly to society.
The excessive use of force by the police, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries, has been widely condemned. Human rights organizations have called for accountability and justice for the victims, urging the government to address the underlying issues that have led to such widespread unrest.
The protests have also drawn international attention, with various human rights groups and foreign governments expressing concern over the situation in Kenya.
The international community has called on the Kenyan government to uphold the rights of its citizens and to ensure that those responsible for human rights violations are held accountable.
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