Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.

: A sombre mood filled Ndumberi village on Tuesday, July 15, as mourners gathered to lay to rest 12-year-old Bridgit Njoki Wainaina, one of the youngest victims of the July 7 Saba Saba protests.

Njoki, a Grade 7 student, was fatally shot by a stray bullet while watching television at her home during the protests that turned deadly in most parts of the country.

The funeral drew large crowds, including students from her school and neighbouring institutions, as well as members of her church.

The children paid emotional tributes through poems and songs themed around peace and justice.

Many of the attendees, visibly shaken, broke into tears as Njoki’s coffin was lowered into the ground.

In a heartbreaking moment, one young girl collapsed as she approached the graveside to pour soil in a final farewell. Mourners quickly helped her away as she wailed uncontrollably.

Another woman was also rescued after nearly falling into the grave during the emotional proceedings.

Njoki’s mother, Lucy Ngugi, although composed during her tribute, expressed deep sorrow and warned the government and police not to offer any form of compensation.

She said no amount of money or words could fill the void left by the loss of her daughter, who she described as focused, loving, and full of promise.

Njoki was among at least 42 people confirmed dead by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) following the protests. Her tragic death has become a symbol of the innocent lives lost during the unrest.

Cavin Muga

"It is painful to see young children crying for their colleague! They cry because they know what death is! How do you think they are going to grow up? How many would love to be police again in future?😭 May God give them strength to endure!"

Mike Langat

"This is truly heartbreaking... Words fail to describe the pain. May the Lord, in his mercy, hold the entire family close and give them the strength to bear this heavy burden. Losing a loved one leaves a void that no one can ever fill, but may God's comfort and peace surround each heart in this time of deep sorrow. You are in our thoughts and prayers."

Nancy Musyoka

"I'm crying like I'm there with them. It's so painful to lose such a young, innocent soul, who was not even in the maandamano, so disheartening. May God comfort her family, friends and schoolmates. Rest well beautiful angel, Mungu akuulizie."

Evangelist Sam Kimemia

"That person making even innocent children shed tears! It's not in vain. Know that God is watching you!"

Gabriel Ali

"So emotional and heartbreaking. May God comfort them during this hard time."

Meanwhile, a postmortem examination confirmed that Njoki died from a bullet wound, with the fatal projectile recovered and handed over to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) for further investigation.

Following the release of the autopsy report, her mother broke down in tears and was visibly overwhelmed with grief.

She appeared too weak to stand and had to be assisted with a chair as the family prepared to speak to the press.

Source: TUKO.co.ke