By Virginia Siebella
Two years after 23-year-old Erickson Mutisya was fatally shot during the 2024 Gen Z demonstrations, his family, friends, and human rights activists gathered at their home in Kisekini, Machakos County, to honour his memory while renewing calls for justice and police accountability.
The memorial service brought together relatives, neighbours, and parents who also lost children during the anti-government protests, highlighting the enduring grief of families still seeking answers over the deaths of their loved ones.
Despite the government beginning compensation payments to some families affected by the protest killings, the Mutisya family says it has yet to receive any compensation or meaningful update on the pursuit of justice.
Erickson's father, Johnson Mutisya, recalled the painful events of the day his son was killed, maintaining that Erickson was unarmed and posed no threat.
According to the family, Erickson was carrying only a bottle of water and his mobile phone when he was shot near Parliament during the demonstrations.
His brother, James Munyao, described Erickson as a promising young man whose future was abruptly cut short.
"Our family's joy was taken away in a single moment. We continue to live with the pain of losing a son and a brother who had his whole life ahead of him," he said.
Human rights activists used the occasion to demand tougher legal measures to hold police officers personally accountable for deaths occurring during demonstrations.
Rafkil Oyugi of Vocal Africa argued that officers implicated in unlawful killings should face criminal responsibility, saying justice requires more than lengthy court processes.
"We need laws that ensure officers responsible for unlawful killings are held personally accountable. Families deserve justice, and impunity must come to an end," he said.
The memorial ceremony featured the planting of flowers on Erickson's grave, symbolising remembrance, resilience, and the family's continued hope that justice will eventually be served.
Among those in attendance was the mother of Rex Masai, another young Kenyan who was killed during the Gen Z protests. She stood in solidarity with the Mutisya family, saying the struggle for justice remains a painful journey for many bereaved parents.
Erickson's former teacher, Ann Musyoki, remembered him as a disciplined and respectful student whose life was cut short before he could realise his full potential.
His mother, Caroline Mutisya, expressed disappointment that while some families have received government compensation, hers continues to wait.
She appealed to the government to treat all affected families equally, saying no parent should be left behind in the quest for justice and support.
The memorial also drew attention to the continued issue of enforced disappearances linked to the protests.
Vocal Africa called on the government to account for three missing youths, identified as Maxmillan, Zeze, and another whose whereabouts remain unknown, arguing that resolving the cases would demonstrate the state's commitment to ending enforced disappearances and safeguarding the rights of its citizens.
As families marked two years since Erickson's death, the memorial served not only as a tribute to his life but also as a reminder that, for many victims' families, the search for justice remains far from over.
