Erricson Mutisya: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 16:28, 18 July 2025

Erickson Kyalo Mutisya

Erickson Kyalo Mutisya (3 November 1998 – 25 June 2024) was a 25‑year‑old Kenyan protester from Kisekini village, Kathiani, Machakos County. He was fatally shot by police outside the Parliament of Kenya during the June 2024 Finance Bill demonstrations.

Early Life

Born on 3 November 1998 to Johnstone and Caroline Nduku Mutisya, Erickson was the second-born in a loving family. Known for his joyful personality and strong sense of justice, he was a beloved son, brother, and friend.

Circumstances of Death

On 25 June 2024, Erickson participated in the protests outside Parliament, opposing the Finance Bill. Police opened fire on demonstrators entering the National Assembly grounds. Erickson was shot and died instantly—the 25‑year‑old butcher was buried in his home village on 13 July 2024 :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.

Funeral & Statements

His funeral in Kisekini was attended by family, friends, and community leaders, with profound emotions expressed:

- **James Munyao**, his brother, eulogized him as:

 > "If I could write a story it would be the greatest ever told of a kind and loving brother… know how much I love you and miss you." :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

- His parents, overcome with sorrow, appealed for divine justice:

 > "Let God judge your murderer." :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

- **Machakos Senator Agnes Kavindu** lamented the tragic burial of a young youth, criticizing President Ruto’s slow response and calling for job creation and youth justice:

 > "Inaudhi inahuzunisha kuzika mtoto... Mr. President bado tunakuomba uwasikilize na utende haki." :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Erickson was also draped in the national flag during his burial, with mourners singing the anthem and performing dances in his honor :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.

Legal & Human Rights Response

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) launched investigations into the use of live ammunition during the protests, including Erickson's death. Civil society groups cited his case in demanding accountability and police reform :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.

Tribute

🕊️ To Erricson,
We write to you not with finality, but with reverence. Not to say goodbye, but to thank you — for your courage, your voice, your sacrifice.

You were just 25. A brother, a son, a dreamer from Kisekini with a future as bright as your smile. When the Finance Bill shook a nation and thousands took to the streets, you stood up — not for yourself alone, but for every Kenyan crushed by injustice.

You marched into history with nothing but your conviction and your hope. No shield. No weapon. Just the truth in your heart.

They silenced you with a bullet. But Erickson, they could not kill your purpose.

We saw your body draped in the flag you tried to defend. We heard the wails of your mother, the heartbreak of your father. We read your brother’s words:

“If I could write a story, it would be the greatest ever told of a kind and loving brother.”

your name is carried like a torch: Erickson Kyalo Mutisya.

You did not fall in vain. You awakened a generation. You joined the ranks of the brave who dared to say:

“We will not be quiet while injustice lives.”

And though you are gone, you walk with us still:

In the crowds demanding truth.
In the songs sung at night by friends who won’t forget.
In every young Kenyan who refuses to be silenced.

You were not just a protester. You were a reminder that the price of freedom is often paid in blood — but that the reward is a country reborn in courage.

Rest, dear Erickson. Rest knowing you stirred the soul of a nation. We carry your name with pride, and your fire in our hearts.

Forever remembered. Forever honored. Forever one of us.

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-= Shot Dead Outside Parliament (June 25, 2024) =
+== Erickson Kyalo Mutisya ==
+'''Erickson Kyalo Mutisya''' (3 November 1998 – 25 June 2024) was a 25‑year‑old Kenyan protester from Kisekini village, Kathiani, Machakos County. He was fatally shot by police outside the Parliament of Kenya during the June 2024 Finance Bill demonstrations.
-[[File:EricsonImage.jpeg|thumb| Erricson Mutisya pic https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8jexr9yv0do]]
+== Early Life ==
-[[File:Mutisyayouthcarry.jpeg|thumb| Protesters took Ericsson Kyalo Mutisya’s body after police ignored him. They draped the flag over him and sang the national anthem.]]
+Born on 3 November 1998 to Johnstone and Caroline Nduku Mutisya, Erickson was the second-born in a loving family. Known for his joyful personality and strong sense of justice, he was a beloved son, brother, and friend.
-'''Ericsson Kyalo Mutisya''' (c. 1998–2024), a 25‑year‑old butcher and Sunday school teacher, was shot and killed by police at Kenya's Parliament on **25 June 2024**, during Gen Z protests opposing the Finance Bill.
-== Incident ==
+== Circumstances of Death ==
-On 25 June 2024, protestors breached the Parliament grounds in Nairobi. As they exited, security forces opened live fire. Video and eyewitness footage confirmed that Ericsson—wearing a white overall and visibly unarmed—danced peacefully before being hit in the head by a bullet. He fell to the ground near David Chege; both died at the scene.
+On 25 June 2024, Erickson participated in the protests outside Parliament, opposing the Finance Bill. Police opened fire on demonstrators entering the National Assembly grounds. Erickson was shot and died instantly—the 25‑year‑old butcher was buried in his home village on 13 July 2024 :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
-([turn0search2](#turn0search2))
-== Legal Status ==
+== Funeral & Statements ==
-As of mid‑2025:
+His funeral in Kisekini was attended by family, friends, and community leaders, with profound emotions expressed:
-* The **Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA)** forwarded Ericsson's case to the **Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP)**, but no charges had been filed.
-* His father's statement highlighted that witnesses exist but required protection. Other protest shooting cases faced similar court delays.
-== Family and Public Tributes ==
+- **James Munyao**, his brother, eulogized him as:
-* At the funeral in Machakos county, his parents read a poignant note:
+   > "If I could write a story it would be the greatest ever told of a kind and loving brother… know how much I love you and miss you." :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
-   _"Let God judge your murderer."_
-* His mother remains hopeful for justice even a year after his death.
-== Significance ==
+- His parents, overcome with sorrow, appealed for divine justice:
-* Mutisya, became a defining symbol of peaceful protest brutally suppressed.
+  > "Let God judge your murderer." :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
-* The **BBC Africa Eye documentary "Blood Parliament"** identified the plain‑clothes officer (named **John Kaboi**) who urged colleagues to "kill" during the crackdown.
-* Human rights advocates called this an example of excessive lethal force used on unarmed civilians.
+- **Machakos Senator Agnes Kavindu** lamented the tragic burial of a young youth, criticizing President Ruto’s slow response and calling for job creation and youth justice:
+  > "Inaudhi inahuzunisha kuzika mtoto... Mr. President bado tunakuomba uwasikilize na utende haki." :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
+Erickson was also draped in the national flag during his burial, with mourners singing the anthem and performing dances in his honor :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
+== Legal & Human Rights Response ==
+The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) launched investigations into the use of live ammunition during the protests, including Erickson's death. Civil society groups cited his case in demanding accountability and police reform :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
+== Tribute ==
+<div style="border: 2px dashed red; padding: 1em; background-color: #fff3f3; color: #900;">
+'''🕊️ To Erricson,'''
+<br>
+We write to you not with finality, but with reverence.
+Not to say goodbye, but to thank you — for your courage, your voice, your sacrifice.
+You were just 25.
+A brother, a son, a dreamer from Kisekini with a future as bright as your smile.
+When the Finance Bill shook a nation and thousands took to the streets, you stood up — not for yourself alone, but for every Kenyan crushed by injustice.
+You marched into history with nothing but your conviction and your hope.
+No shield. No weapon. Just the truth in your heart.
+They silenced you with a bullet.
+But Erickson, they could not kill your purpose.
+We saw your body draped in the flag you tried to defend.
+We heard the wails of your mother, the heartbreak of your father.
+We read your brother’s words:
+:''“If I could write a story, it would be the greatest ever told of a kind and loving brother.”''
+your name is carried like a torch: '''Erickson Kyalo Mutisya.'''
+You did not fall in vain.
+You awakened a generation.
+You joined the ranks of the brave who dared to say:
+:''“We will not be quiet while injustice lives.”''
+And though you are gone, you walk with us still:
+* In the crowds demanding truth.
+* In the songs sung at night by friends who won’t forget.
+* In every young Kenyan who refuses to be silenced.
+You were not just a protester.
+You were a reminder that the price of freedom is often paid in blood — but that the reward is a country reborn in courage.
+'''Rest, dear Erickson.''' Rest knowing you stirred the soul of a nation.
+We carry your name with pride, and your fire in our hearts.
+''Forever remembered.''
+''Forever honored.''
+''Forever one of us.''
+</div>
 == References ==