Faith Chandianya, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and Current Affairs in Kenya

The father of 19-year-old Joshua Stevens Njihia could not hide his emotions when speaking about the death of his son.

Njihia was allegedly shot dead by a police officer on Friday, June 20, during protests seeking justice for Abigail Wanjiku, who was found dead at their home in Mwiki.

The teenager was among hundreds who were out calling for justice when things got out of hand. The police who had been deployed decided to fire bullets to disperse the crowd.

While speaking to the press, Njihia's father, struggling to hold back his pain, asked the president to consider the youth and protect their lives.

He condemned the police for allegedly shooting his son. He argued that it was a shame that an officer with a job killed a young man without one.

"Kindly, Mr. President, look after our youth. We want this youth to be of help to us once we retire," Njihia's father said.

The heartbroken man stated that Ruto has the power to end police brutality and extra-judicial killings as he is the president.

"I would like to plead with the president because he has all the power in the government. He should know that the government is elected by the people. If people are killed, who is he going to lead. So, Mr. president consider our youth," he concluded.

Following Njihia's death, Mwiki residents protested on the streets demanding justice for the young man.

A CCTV footage captured a police officer firing a bullet that struck Njihia on the head, causing him to collapse.

Moments later, the officer was captured boarding a motorbike, which he used to flee the scene that was filled with violence.

The teenager had reportedly sought refuge inside a shop in Mwiki before the police allegedly lobbed teargas at them.

In a bid to run away from the teargas, Njihia was shot. He was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival, adding to the number of Gen Z who died during protests.

A photo circulated online showing Njihia with a bandage on his head and medical tubes around his body. Two medical personnel were standing beside his bed.

Njihia's shooting comes days after a mask vendor was shot during anti-Lagat protests in Nairobi CBD.

Before his shooting, Boniface Kariuki was captured on CCTV footage standing next to a building when two armed police officers approached him.

They shoved him before one of them shot Kariuki in his head at close range. The hawker was rushed to the Kenyatta National Hospital, where two life-saving surgeries were performed on him.

The family of Kariuki gave an update on his condition, stating that he has not yet improved.

Source: TUKO.co.ke