Young Kenyans Maintain ‘NO DIALOGUE’ Call, Demand Justice And Accountability
Kenyans have rejected any negotiations with the government over the country’s future, in yet another act of defiance.
Instead, they declare that they are unwavering in their pursuit of justice for their fallen comrades. Their demands include accountability from the authorities.
They spoke on Tuesday in Thika at the burial of David Chege, a young protester who died on June 25, 2024, outside Parliament buildings during a demonstration.
The air crackled with tension as other protesters, including human rights defenders, paid their respects. Chege’s casket was draped in the Kenyan flag, a symbol of pride and tragedy.
Today, we buried David Chege who was shot outside Parliament. He was the first person to be murdered by a sniper's bullet to the head on the 25th June, 2024. He was martyred for our country, protesting for a better Kenya. His family requested @husskhalid and I to help carry his… pic.twitter.com/GVwRWtA7Sp
— The People’s Watchman (@bonifacemwangi) July 9, 2024
“David is a modern-day freedom fighter, he was armed with the flag and they murdered him. Before June 25th, this flag was only flying in minister’s cars and government buildings during holidays. But because of David’s death and many others, this flag is now liberated,” said activist Boniface Mwangi.
The crowd, filled with grief, demanded justice. Their voices were directed at those in authority, the Kenyan Kwanza administration.
“As the President says about dialogue, we can’t dialogue without justice, without compensation. So before they say they want to talk with the Gen Zs, you need to acknowledge that your government killed young people. You need to apologize to those families, then you can talk about dialogue,” added Mwangi.
Chege, an IT expert, was also known as a Sunday school teacher.
His brother Brian Njuguna shared memories of his life, telling mourners that Chege had gone out for his first protest on that fateful day.
“David came out on 25th, his first protest ever…he came out to fight for rights of children… he taught, including police officers,” recounted Njuguna.
I do honestly think @WilliamsRuto does not have the ability to listen. All the issues that have led to the GenZ protest are well known #NoDialogue Raila Ruto Kalonzo Karua Njugush pic.twitter.com/GGvN1tbdF6
— КΔMΔЦ MБӨƬΣ︻┳╦═─ (@KamauMbote) July 9, 2024
Chege’s fate was sealed by a bullet to the head, a victim of the very system he defied.
The government’s silence spoke volumes, but Chege’s legacy remains. According to the young mourners, he is not just another statistic, but a hero and a symbol of resilience.
Presently at the burial of Shujaa David Chege in Mang'u village, Kiambu County. Draped his coffin with the Kenyan flag and presented another flag to the mother. Forever in our hearts ✊🏽✊🏽✊🏽 pic.twitter.com/sofLzXYJNN
— husseinkhalid (@husskhalid) July 9, 2024
“David will go down in the books of history; he is special, ni shujaa. I hope you keep your heads held high. Just because they’re killing us, just because justice isn’t served, it’s not the end, and I’m glad the family knows that,” stated activist Hanifa Adan.
Njuguna added: “David was actually in the last phase of his Visa application process to go work in Germany. It was in the final stages, he had gotten a job opportunity there.”
Young Kenyans Maintain ‘NO DIALOGUE’ Call, Demand Justice And Accountability
