The family of Elijah Muthoka Mwongeli, who was killed during the chaotic Gen Z protests, finally laid him to rest on Thursday, July 10.

Elijah received a befitting send-off in a heartfelt ceremony largely attended by family, friends, and schoolmates.

Among the mourners were human rights activists, including Boniface Mwangi, who stood in solidarity with the grieving family.

"I attended the burial of Elijah Muthoka Mwongeli in Machakos. He was shot on June 25, 2025, and died the next day. A young, promising life cut short...We must never forget," read his Facebook caption.

Mwangi also delivered a powerful and emotional speech, in which he criticised the government under President William Samoei Ruto for the deaths of many innocent Kenyans.

He called on fellow Kenyans to stand united and ensure that irresponsible leaders do not remain in power for long.

Elijah was a student at Naaro High School in Kandara, Murang’a county, and his schoolmates turned up in large numbers to pay their last respects.

Sorrow was written on their faces as they stood in uniform, surrounding his casket, which was draped in the Kenyan flag.

After the necessary proceedings, the coffin was carried to the grave and lowered with the flag still covering it.

Social media users who saw the viral photos online flocked to the comment section to share their reactions:

Cris Yeswa:

"We empathize with the affected families. However, Mr. Mwangi, there’s an incident where a mother claimed a bullet went through the iron sheet, then the ceiling of their house, and killed her daughter. How possible is that? Was there a sniper on the roof? Something doesn’t add up."

Robert Luhunzu:

"He wasn’t protesting. He was coming from school. This is the story of 17-year-old Elijah Muthoka, who was shot by police during the Saba Saba demos."

Jsmile Wily:

"May his soul rest in peace. And may the one who shot him never find peace. Dear God, let him suffer in his dreams all the days of his life. Amen."

Priscilla Kunyu:

"It’s so painful. May his soul rest in perfect peace. My condolences to the family. May God give them strength."

Ngaburi Wangui:

"From a Christian point of view, how Godly is it to kill other human beings for self-preservation? How do you feel as a Christian when a 17-year-old dies of bullet wounds? Does this bring you closer to the family, clan, tribe, neighbors, or country? We call ourselves Christians, yet we don’t live according to the will of Christ.

Thou shall not kill!"

In another incident, a young man from Kajiado county who had been shot during the protests died while undergoing treatment in the hospital.

Dennis Kimweli had undergone surgery at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) to remove a bullet lodged in his body.

His family remained hopeful about his recovery until they received a distressing phone call informing them of his passing.

Kimweli was shot at his garage while trying to close the gate to keep protesters out of the premises.

A friend recalled seeing him collapse after being hit by a stray bullet during a confrontation between anti-riot police and demonstrators.

Source: TUKO.co.ke