This assertion challenges the widespread beliefs and online narratives that surrounded the incident, with media reports claiming that a group of protesters had cornered a police officer, overpowered him and seized his pistol.
President William Ruto on Friday, July 5 sparked controversy in the #EngageThePresident X Space following his claim that the 12-year-old boy who was reportedly shot in Ongata Rongai by police officers during anti-government protests was killed by a civilian who robbed a police officer of a gun.
Speaking during the Space Conversation hosted jointly with influencer Osama Otero, Ruto insisted that Kennedy Onyango, the young boy who was shot eight times, was shot by a civilian despite strong opposition from the public and vocal dissenters on the online forum.
This assertion challenges the widespread beliefs and online narratives that surrounded the incident, with media reports claiming that a group of protesters had cornered a police officer, overpowered him and seized his pistol.
The protestors continued to assault the officer until he was rescued by his colleagues. Witnesses reported that one of the protestors fired two shots into the air before returning the weapon to the police.
Police officers on horses during Finance Bill protests in Nairobi. /UZALENDO NEWS
“The 12-year-old boy shot in Rongai was not killed by a police officer. Criminals grabbed a firearm from the police officer and shot indiscriminately,” Ruto countered, and he would reiterate the same sentiments during the X Space.
At the same time, Ruto explained that the photos regarding the incident which circulated on social media platforms were dated back years ago to an incident in Buru Buru and did not reflect the situation at Rongai.
“It was said that a young Kenyan was stuffed with 8 bullets, that is not true. The one that was said of 8 bullets did not exist. We found out that it happened several years ago in Buru Buru,” Ruto said.
This did not sit well with Kenyans online who told the president to take accountability for the brute force used by the anti-riot officers on peaceful protestors.
“The right to picket is enshrined in the Constitution. The protests were hijacked and I am sure the people who burnt parliament were not peaceful protestors,” he responded.
“Honestly do you want to tell me the innocent protestors are the ones who disrupted businesses, burned down Parliament? We need to protect protestors but also keep away criminals.”
An autopsy conducted on Monday, July 1, by government pathologist Peter Ndegwa at the Ongata Rongai Sub County Hospital Funeral Home found that the boy had succumbed to excessive bleeding caused by a gunshot wound.
According to the government pathologist, the bullet allegedly pierced through the arteries and the lungs of the 12-year-old leading to excessive bleeding and consequently his death.
The boy’s family demanded the immediate prosecution of the police officer responsible for the shooting of the deceased.
Earlier, President Ruto promised government support for the families of those who lost their lives and those injured during the protests.
Addressing the nation on Friday afternoon, he conveyed condolences to the bereaved families. He said, “To the many others who lost their lives, I send my condolences to the families. The government will support all those who have lost their lives, and all those who have been injured.”
Government Pathologist Peter Ndegwa addressing the press. /STANDARD DIGITAL