A 20-year-old woman in Machakos is begging for money in the streets of Kitengela to bury her brother, who was killed during the anti-government protests which were called by the Azimio la Umoja coalition.
The young lady turned to the streets after the family failed to raise enough money to transport the body of her 23-year-old brother, who was killed two weeks ago in Kitengela town, Kajiado County.
Harris Ochieng was part of a group of youth who responded to calls by the Azimio la Umoja coalition to protest against increased taxation and the increased cost of living.
"We are yet to get enough funds to transport the body from the city mortuary to Gem in Siaya County where Ochieng is expected to be buried on July 29.
"We are now appealing to people of goodwill to help us raise money that will facilitate the transportation so that we may accord him our last respects," the young lady stated.
The woman stated that the money that had already been raised is not enough to pay for mortuary services nor buy a coffin.
The woman's story has sparked outrage in Kenya, and many Kitengela residents have expressed their condolences and offered to help her raise the money to bury her brother.
"I am begging for help. I do not have the money to bury my brother. Please help me," the lady requested Azimio la Umoja coalition which had called for the nationwide protests.
A resident of Kitengela who spoke to the media during the street fundraiser stated that Ochieng's story is a reminder of the violence that has often accompanied political protests, and their consequences.
"The government should condemn the violence that led to the death of the young man and promptly investigate the deaths of those who have been killed," the resident urged.
Azimio la Umoja on Wednesday, July 26, held a vigil to honour Kenyans who lost their lives during the protests.
The coalition also promised to foot the bills of all those injured, arrested or killed during the demonstrations.
The Raila-led coalition also promised to take legal action against the State, and particularly, the National Police Service over police brutality meted on Kenyans.
