The family of a man who was killed during the recent Linda Mwananchi demonstrations in Kisii County is demanding justice, insisting that those responsible for his death be identified and held accountable.
The incident has intensified concerns over the use of force during public protests, with relatives and human rights advocates calling for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
According to the family, the deceased left home on the day of the demonstrations expecting to return later that evening.
Instead, they received the devastating news that he had been fatally injured during the unrest that swept through parts of Kisii Town as protesters clashed with security officers.
Relatives described the victim as a hardworking family man whose death has left his loved ones devastated and uncertain about their future.
Speaking outside the family home, they said the loss has created both emotional and financial hardship, as he was the primary provider for his household.
"We want the truth about what happened to him," one family member said. "No family should have to bury their loved one without knowing who was responsible or why it happened. We are simply asking for justice."
The demonstrations, organized under the Linda Mwananchi movement, drew large crowds protesting against various national issues, including the rising cost of living, governance concerns and demands for greater accountability from public institutions.
While many protests remained peaceful, some areas experienced confrontations between demonstrators and security officers, resulting in injuries, destruction of property and several reported deaths.
Witnesses in Kisii said tensions escalated after groups of protesters attempted to march through the town's central business district.
Security personnel reportedly responded by dispersing crowds using tear gas and other crowd-control measures.
Amid the confusion, several people sustained injuries while businesses temporarily closed their doors as residents fled the area.
It remains unclear exactly how the deceased suffered the fatal injuries. Some witnesses claim he was caught in the middle of the confrontation despite not actively participating in violent acts, while others say panic erupted as people ran in different directions after security operations intensified.
Police have acknowledged that disturbances occurred during the demonstrations but have not released detailed findings regarding the man's death.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing and have urged members of the public to remain calm while detectives gather evidence, interview witnesses and review available footage from the scene.
Human rights organizations have joined the family's call for accountability, emphasizing that every death occurring during public demonstrations deserves a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation.
The groups argue that establishing the facts is essential to maintaining public confidence in law enforcement and protecting the constitutional rights of citizens.
Legal experts note that independent investigations into deaths linked to police operations are critical in determining whether officers acted within the law or whether excessive force may have been used.
They also stress that accountability should apply to anyone found responsible for unlawful actions, regardless of their position.
The victim's neighbours described him as a peaceful individual who was well known in the community. Many gathered at the family home to offer condolences, expressing shock that a day marked by public demonstrations ended with the loss of a life.
Community leaders urged authorities to ensure justice is served while encouraging residents to remain peaceful as investigations continue.
The death has also renewed debate over how security agencies manage public protests. Civil society organizations have called for improved dialogue between authorities and protest organizers, arguing that effective communication and respect for constitutional freedoms can help prevent violence and unnecessary loss of life during demonstrations.
Political leaders from different sides have also weighed in on the incident, with some demanding a swift investigation and others urging restraint to avoid inflaming tensions.
Several leaders emphasized the importance of protecting both public order and the rights of citizens to assemble peacefully.
As the family prepares to lay their loved one to rest, they say they will continue seeking answers until those responsible are brought to justice.
For them, the pain of losing a husband, father and relative is compounded by unanswered questions about how an ordinary day ended in tragedy.
With investigations still underway, many Kenyans are watching closely, hoping the inquiry will provide clarity, accountability and justice for a family whose life has been forever changed by the events that unfolded during the Linda Mwananchi protests in Kisii.