Joseph Gitau
Joseph Gitau was an 18-year-old Kenyan youth who was killed during a protest against the 2024 Finance Bill in Nairobi. His story was highlighted in a Citizen Digital opinion piece that chronicled victims of police brutality during the youth-led protests.
Background
Joseph Gitau participated in a mass demonstration against the 2024 Finance Bill, part of a nationwide wave of protests led by Kenya’s Gen Z. These protests opposed tax hikes and austerity policies backed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Death
During the protests, Gitau was reportedly struck by a bullet and died at the scene. Eyewitness accounts and public commentary indicate that the shooting was the result of live ammunition fired by police forces trying to disperse protesters. His death was cited as an example of excessive use of force and sparked renewed calls for police accountability.
Significance
Joseph Gitau became a symbol of the youth resistance movement and the tragic consequences of state violence. His name circulated on social media, particularly among online activists demanding justice and an end to police brutality.