Court to Rule on Burial of 12-Year-Old Kennedy Onyango, Shot in Rongai Protests

The Mbita Law Court will deliver a highly anticipated judgment regarding the burial arrangements for Kennedy Onyango, a 12-year-old boy tragically shot during anti-tax protests in Rongai, Kajiado County. The court’s decision will address the dispute between Kennedy’s parents over where he should be laid to rest.

Kennedy Onyango’s death on July 6th shocked the nation, drawing attention to the escalating violence during the protests. The boy was caught in the crossfire during a demonstration against the newly implemented tax measures, leading to widespread outrage and calls for justice.

The burial dispute began when Kennedy’s mother, Jacinta Anyango, planned to lay her son to rest at her home in Rusinga. As the funeral procession was en route to Rusinga, Kennedy’s father, Denis Okinyi, intervened with a court order, halting the burial and igniting a legal battle over the boy’s final resting place.

Today’s ruling by the Mbita Law Court is expected to resolve this emotional and contentious issue. The court must decide whether Kennedy will be buried at his mother Jacinta Anyango’s home in Rusinga or his father Denis Okinyi’s residence.

Jacinta Anyango has expressed her profound grief and frustration over the delay in burying her son. “Kennedy was a loving and kind boy. It’s painful enough to lose him in such a senseless manner. This legal battle is only adding to our family’s agony,” she lamented.

Denis Okinyi, on the other hand, has argued that as Kennedy’s father, he has the right to decide his son’s final resting place. “I want to ensure my son is buried with the dignity and respect he deserves,” Okinyi stated, emphasizing his paternal rights.

The court’s decision will not only determine the burial site but will also be a crucial step in providing closure to a grieving family and community. The ruling is being closely watched, with many hoping it will bring some measure of peace to the bereaved family.

Kennedy Onyango’s death has also reignited the debate over police use of force during protests in Kenya. Human rights organizations and activists have called for comprehensive investigations and accountability for those responsible for the boy’s death.

As the Mbita Law Court prepares to deliver its judgment, the family and community remain hopeful that justice will be served and Kennedy Onyango will finally be laid to rest in peace.