Two Youths Killed During Kenol Political Chaos Laid to Rest in Low-Key Ceremony

Two young men killed during the October 4th political violence in Kenol, Murang’a County have been laid to rest.

The joint funeral service for the two, 15-year-old Peter Mbothu and 21-year-old Christopher Kariuki, was held at Mt Kenya University grounds in Thika on Friday. Their bodies were later transported to their families for different send offs.

The two were killed after two rival groups clashed ahead of Deputy President William Ruto’s visit to Kenol town, where he graced a fundraiser at AIPCA Church.

During the funeral ceremony, youths were asked to resist from being used by politicians to achieve selfish gains.

“We will not be used again. There is no other day that we will find ourselves in such a situation. This boy died while young,” said Kariuki’s brother, Francis Kariuki. 

“We were raised by my father here and he told me to take care of him and teach him how to fend for himself but the devil came in.” 

Politicians were barred from addressing mourners at the ceremony attended by Kiambu Governor James Nyoro and former governor William Kabogo.

“We have to respect the families of the deceased who sought to have no politician address the mourners,” said Stephen Karau, a member of the Kikuyu Council of Elders.