David Chege, one of the young lives lost to police violence during Kenya’s anti-tax protests, was laid to rest on Tuesday at his parents’ home in Turiru village, Gatundu. Chege, who was fatally shot in the head outside Kenya’s parliament, was remembered as a celebrated IT professional and a dedicated Sunday school teacher at the Jubilee Christian Church.
The funeral drew several Kenyan activists, including Khalid Hussein of Haki Africa, Boniface Mwangi, and Hanifa Adan, but was notably devoid of political figures. Mourners, draped in the national flag, condemned the rampant police brutality and honored Chege’s sacrifice.
Activists presented Chege’s family with a flag, underscoring his ultimate sacrifice for patriotism. Boniface Mwangi, a leading activist, urged Kenyans to persist in their fight against poor leadership and encouraged the replacement of President Ruto’s portraits with images of the Kenyan flag as a form of protest.
While the government maintains that 25 people were killed in the nationwide protests, rights groups report a higher death toll of 43. Official figures also state that around 400 individuals were injured over the three-week period of demonstrations.
Chege’s untimely death has ignited renewed demands for justice and accountability, with activists and mourners alike calling for an end to police violence and a greater respect for human rights in Kenya.