By Lillian Katheke
Tears, prayers and memories filled the home of Erickson Mutisya’s family in Kisekini, Machakos County, as relatives, friends and fellow parents gathered to mark two years since the young man’s death during the Gen Z protests.
What was meant to be a day of remembrance became a painful reminder that, for the family, justice remains elusive.
As flowers were gently placed on Erickson’s grave, his loved ones spoke of a promising life cut short and a wound that has refused to heal.
His father, Johnson Mutisya, fought back emotion as he recalled the last moments before his son was fatally shot near Parliament.
“My son was not armed. He carried only a bottle of water and his phone,” he said, questioning why a young man exercising his constitutional rights had to die.
His brother, James Munyao, said the family still struggles to come to terms with the loss.
“Our joy was stolen. Erickson had dreams like any other young Kenyan. We still ask ourselves why his life had to end that day,” he said.
The family’s grief has been deepened by what they describe as unequal treatment.
While the government has begun compensating some families whose relatives were killed during the protests, Erickson’s family says it has received nothing.
His mother, Caroline Mutisya, said every parent who buried a child deserves equal recognition and justice.
“No amount of money can bring back my son, but every family should be treated fairly. We should not have to keep begging to be remembered,” she said.
The memorial drew other grieving families, including the mother of Rex Masai, another young man killed during the protests.
United by loss, they described their search for justice as a burden they continue to carry every day.
Erickson’s former teacher, Ann Musyoki, remembered him as a disciplined and respectful student whose future was full of promise.
“He was obedient and hardworking. He deserved the chance to live and fulfil his dreams,” she said.
Human rights activists used the occasion to renew calls for accountability.
Rafkil Oyugi of Vocal Africa said police officers found responsible for killing protesters should face personal criminal liability, arguing that justice cannot be achieved if cases drag on without consequences.
The memorial also drew attention to families still searching for missing loved ones.
Vocal Africa urged the government to account for three youths — Maxmillan, Zeze and another whose whereabouts remain unknown — saying their disappearance continues to haunt their families and raises troubling questions about enforced disappearances.
As the ceremony ended, mourners quietly laid flowers on Erickson’s grave.
For those gathered, the flowers symbolised not only love and remembrance but also a determination that Erickson’s name, and the quest for justice, will not be forgotten.
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