The trial of police officer Duncan Ndiema, who is accused of murdering 13-year-old Yassin Moyo, has reached an emotional turning point as family members of the deceased testified against the officer in court. Yassin was tragically killed by a stray bullet fired by police enforcing a COVID-19 curfew in Nairobi’s Eastleigh neighborhood on March 30, 2020. The incident sparked outrage across the country, highlighting issues of police brutality and the excessive use of force during curfew enforcement.
Yassin’s family members took the stand, sharing the traumatic experience of losing their son in such a senseless and violent manner. The boy’s mother, Fatuma Abdi, described the heart-wrenching moments leading up to his death. She recounted how Yassin, excited to watch the police patrol from the balcony of their home, fell to the ground after a gunshot rang out. Her testimony brought tears to many in the courtroom, as she relived the painful moments when she realized her son had been fatally wounded. Fatuma’s emotional testimony painted a picture of a mother’s anguish, pleading for justice for her son.
Yassin’s father, Hussein Moyo, also gave a deeply emotional account of the events that unfolded that night. He expressed disbelief that his son had been killed by the very people meant to protect them. Hussein spoke of his frantic attempts to save Yassin’s life, rushing him to a nearby hospital, only to be told that his son had succumbed to his injuries. His voice, heavy with grief, echoed in the courtroom as he spoke of the void left in their family and the lasting trauma they have endured.
The prosecution presented Ndiema as the officer responsible for firing the bullet that struck Yassin. The State argued that the officer’s actions were reckless and unjustified, citing evidence of excessive force in an area where the population was already compliant with the curfew measures. Witnesses for the prosecution included neighbors and other residents of the area, who testified that there had been no provocation or threat that would have warranted the use of firearms by the police.
The trial has been closely followed by human rights organizations and activists, who have raised concerns about the broader issue of police brutality in Kenya. They argue that Yassin’s case is emblematic of a pattern of extrajudicial killings and excessive force by law enforcement officers, particularly in low-income areas. Activists have called for systemic reforms within the police force to ensure accountability and to prevent further incidents of unnecessary violence.
As the trial progressed, Ndiema’s defense team sought to downplay his role in the shooting. The defense argued that the officer was following orders to enforce the curfew and that the shooting was an unfortunate accident. They contended that Ndiema did not intend to harm anyone and that the chaotic circumstances of the curfew enforcement may have contributed to the tragic outcome. The defense also pointed to the broader context of the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting that law enforcement officers were under immense pressure to maintain order during an unprecedented public health crisis.
However, the prosecution remained firm in its stance, insisting that Ndiema acted with negligence and failed to follow proper protocols in the use of firearms. They pointed to forensic evidence and ballistics reports that linked the bullet to Ndiema’s rifle. Additionally, the prosecution highlighted the lack of a clear threat or danger to justify the officer’s decision to fire live ammunition in a residential area.
Yassin’s case has become a symbol of the need for justice and reform within the Kenyan justice system. The family’s pain and determination to seek accountability have drawn attention to the broader issue of police brutality, inspiring calls for changes in how law enforcement officers are trained and held accountable for their actions.
The court proceedings have been a source of emotional stress for Yassin’s family, who have had to relive the trauma of his death through their testimonies. Despite this, they remain resolute in their demand for justice. “We want those responsible for our son’s death to be held accountable,” said Yassin’s father after his testimony. “Our family will not rest until justice is served.”
As the trial continues, the public awaits the court’s decision, with hopes that it will set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future. Yassin Moyo’s tragic death has become a rallying cry for justice, not just for his family, but for all victims of police violence across the country.
