Latest news with #Njoki
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Mother mourns 'beautiful' 12-year-old shot while watching TV during Kenya protests
On Monday, as anti-government protests swept across parts of Kenya, 12-year-old Bridgit Njoki sat watching television in her family's modest home. She had no idea that the deadly clashes between these protesters and Kenya's armed police would find their way into her living room. A single bullet pierced through the roof, puncturing the ceiling and striking Njoki in the head, her mother, Lucy Ngugi, tells the BBC. Within hours, she was pronounced dead in hospital. "She was my everything," Ms Ngugisays, while sobbing in her home just outside the capital, Nairobi. "She was all I had." "Let me be the last mother to weep because of the death of a child. An innocent child. I wish she was even playing outside… but inside the house? Oh Lord, this is painful." Njoki is one of the youngest victims of the violence that has rocked Kenya over the past month. According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), almost 70 people have died and hundreds were wounded in the three major protests that have taken place since June 17. The protests - mainly led by young Kenyans - reflect growing discontent over issues like the cost of living, tax hikes, runaway public debt, and police brutality. On 7 July, the day Njoki died, the authorities barricaded major roads in preparation for the demonstrations. Video evidence shows the police firing tear gas, and in some cases, live rounds in residential areas where protesters had regrouped. "The bullet came over the roof of the house. It penetrated into the ceiling, right where Njoki was seated on a chair," says Njoki's grandmother, Margaret Njeri. "Immediately, her mother grabbed her and came screaming to my home: 'Mum, my child has been shot!' I couldn't even hold the child." The family had thought they were far from the violent clashes, given they lived in Ndumberi, a village nearly two kilometres (1.2 miles) from a main road. "I was sure it was a bullet," says Njoki's mother. "The bang that hit the roof was so loud. Very loud." The police have dismissed the family's claims, insisting a bullet couldn't travel from the main road to their house. But Njoki's lifeless body told a different story. A report from the 12-year-old's post-mortem examination says doctors retrieved a bullet from her body, and that her head injury was "consistent with a gunshot". Njoki had been a Grade 7 student at Benson Njau School in Ting'ang'a, a nearby village. As the family's firstborn, she was a caretaker, helper, and the pride of the household. "She was always number one in her class," her grandmother says. "So obedient, so specific, so neat. "Even in the way she spoke. She was just a very good girl. She loved serving in church. She helped her siblings. She cooked for me. She was everything." Njoki's mother describes her as "a beautiful girl, a charming girl, who had so many dreams". Her father is crushed, unable to speak. Her siblings are also silent. Grief hangs like a shroud in the house, while Njoki's chair sits empty. 'Shoot in the leg' - Kenyan leader orders police to curb violent protests Why the death of a blogger has put Kenya's police on trial New faces of protest - Kenya's Gen Z anti-tax revolutionaries The deaths of dozens like Njoki have drawn international condemnation. The UN said it was deeply troubled by the killings and criticised the Kenyan police for using "lethal ammunition" against protesters. This all feels like a repeat of last year, when according to the KNCHR, more than 50 died in a police crackdown on months of anti-government protests. President Ruto has taken a particularly hard-line stance this time. In a national address following the 7 July protests, in which 38 people were killed, according to the state-run human rights commission, Ruto said: "Anyone caught burning another person's business or property should be shot in the leg, hospitalised and later taken to court. Don't kill them, but ensure their legs are broken." Ruto has accused political rivals of inciting violence in a bid to unseat him illegally, but the president's opponents have dismissed this allegation. Meanwhile, back in Ndumberi, Njoki's family are simply calling for an end to the brutality. "I'll bury Njoki, but I'll never forget the Saba Saba Day [7 July]. Let Njoki be the last sacrifice of these protests," her mother says. The ongoing anti-government protest movement has reshaped Kenyan politics. It has demanded transparency, empathy and a listening ear. But it has also paid in blood. And as the uprising continues, Njoki's name and those of many others lost have become a symbol - of innocence, state overreach, and a lack of accountability. "Let's not burn our country. Let's have dialogue. Let's talk. We are brothers and sisters, I'm begging our government - let this not happen to any other parent," Njoki's mother says. "Don't let another child die like Njoki." Are East African governments uniting to silence dissent? BBC identifies security forces who shot Kenya anti-tax protesters El Chapo & Deputy Jesus - why Kenya's president has so many nicknames 'We live in fear' - forced expulsions taint Kenya's safe haven image Go to for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica Africa Daily Focus on Africa
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Yahoo
Prosecutors charge rideshare driver accused of groping teen
This story was originally published on A rideshare driver arrested for allegedly groping a 16-year-old female passenger during a trip from SeaTac to her home in Bellevue has pleaded not guilty to indecent liberties and unlawful imprisonment charges. He is being held in King County Jail on $150,000 bail. In court documents, King County prosecutors say the victim's boyfriend organized the Lyft ride from SeaTac to her home in Bellevue. When the suspect, 43-year-old Martin Njoki, pulled up in his Mitsubishi Outlander, prosecutors say the victim, identified in court documents as 'CB,' accidentally opened the front passenger door and noticed Njoki's belongings in the front seat. Prosecutors say Njoki moved his belongings and told the victim it was okay to sit in the front seat, where investigators say she sat for the duration of the trip. As the ride ended, at approximately 4:45 a.m. on Feb. 17 in the 12100 block of Southeast 44th Place, Bellevue detectives say the suspect asked the victim, 'Do you kiss and tell?' and asked if she would kiss him, to which she replied she had a boyfriend. Moments later, detectives say the suspect made sexually explicit comments toward the victim. However, when she tried to leave, prosecutors say the suspect grabbed her arm and tried to force her to touch him. Bellevue Police Spokesperson Drew Anderson said that in the seconds that followed, the driver repeatedly groped the victim as he tried to kiss her, until the victim escaped. 'It was a very scary situation overall,' Anderson said. 'Luckily, the juvenile was able to get out of the vehicle and reach her home safely before calling law enforcement. But it really sounded some alarms for us, especially when it comes to how severe and frightening the situation was for this young lady.' Anderson said investigators are seeking information about any additional victims. The Mitsubishi police say Njoki was driving had the license plate number CBM2456. 'You could look at your past history,' Anderson said. 'If you remember an individual making unwanted advances or engaging in uncomfortable conversation, and they happen to drive a Mitsubishi with the license plate number CBM2456, then call us as soon as you can.' Anderson also emphasized the importance of safety when using ridesharing services and offered the following tips: 'Check the driver's overall rating. Share your trip with friends or family. Sit in the backseat of the vehicle. Verify the driver's identity before entering the vehicle. Be aware of your surroundings during the ride. Most importantly, if you feel your safety is threatened, cancel the trip immediately and call 911.' Anyone with information or who may have been assaulted by Njoki is urged to contact Bellevue police. Potential victims can call 911 or the department's non-emergency line at 425-577-5656.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Yahoo
Uber driver accused in Bellevue, WA sexual assault case gets reduced bail
The Brief A King County rideshare driver accused of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old passenger in Bellevue pleaded not guilty on Thursday. Martin Njoki, 43, is facing one count of indecent liberties and one count of unlawful imprisonment with sexual motivation. A judge lowered his bail to $30,000 and ordered that he be placed on home detention if released. BELLEVUE, Wash. - A King County rideshare driver accused of assaulting a teenage passenger during a ride in Bellevue appeared in court Thursday and pleaded not guilty to two felony charges. What we know Martin Njoki, 43, is facing one count of indecent liberties and one count of unlawful imprisonment with sexual motivation. Prosecutors allege the incident occurred in Bellevue back in February during an Uber ride drop-off. "Mr. Njoki, has absolutely no criminal history whatsoever. He has no arrest histories. Never had a warrant and he also does not have the means to pay any bail," the defense attorney said during Thursday's hearing as she asked the judge to release their client. Njoki is no longer driving for Uber or Lyft, his attorney added, and is the primary provider for his mother and five children. More than 20 supporters of Njoki were present in the courtroom during his hearing. The prosecution opposed the request for release and asked the court to keep bail set at $150,000. Instead, Judge Averil Rothrock reduced the bond amount to $30,000 and ordered that Njoki be placed on home detention if released. "I do want to recognize that these are really serious allegations," Rothrock said. "The presumption of the release is overcome based on the nature of the allegations." The court also issued a sexual assault protection order related to the case. Njoki remains in custody at the King County Jail as of Thursday. The Source Information in this story is from the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office and FOX 13 Seattle reporting. Othello, WA woman's arrest sparks national debate on immigration enforcement Passenger removed from Seattle plane after making 'inappropriate comment' Jeffrey Zizz charged in kidnapping, murder of WA grandmother How to watch, stream 2025 NFL Draft WA caregiver charged with sexually assaulting disabled teen 'Assault of any kind is disturbing': Seattle bar brawl suspect arraigned To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national coverage, plus 24/7 streaming coverage from across the nation.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Yahoo
Washington Lyft driver charged after sexually assaulting teen passenger: police
A rideshare driver in Washington state is behind bars after accusations that he sexually assaulted a 16-year-old female passenger during a ride in February. The Bellevue Police Department said Martin Njoki, 43, was charged with unlawful imprisonment and indecent liberties on April 14 following an incident with a teenage girl in the early morning hours of Feb. 17. A ride was requested through Lyft by the teenager's boyfriend for her to return home after she snuck out to visit him at his house in SeaTac, which is about 20 miles from Bellevue, according to police documents obtained by the Idaho Statesman. Former California Rideshare Driver Punched Rider After Thinking Man Was Jewish Or Israeli, Doj Says When Njoki arrived to pick her up, she attempted to sit in the front passenger seat, but there were items in the way, so she went to sit in the back. He allegedly moved the items and told her to sit in the front. The girl told police that she and Njoki talked for nearly the entire drive, but the conversation changed when they got closer to her home. Njoki allegedly told her he liked her and asked if she would "kiss and tell" and then asked if he could kiss her. Read On The Fox News App Police said she told him she had a boyfriend, to which he allegedly said "but you don't kiss and tell," The Statesman reported. He is then accused of forcing her to touch his crotch and groping her when she tried to leave. The teenager was able to escape the car and called her boyfriend, who reported the assault to police at 4:39 a.m., the department said. Arizona Woman Charged With Murder Of Rideshare Driver After Allegedly Using His Car To Run Him Over: Report Njoki's account with Lyft was suspended "due to allegations relating to touching a passenger in a sexual manner without consent," The Statesman reported. Court documents obtained by the outlet said he emailed Lyft and told the company he didn't touch the teen but she had gotten "annoyed with me because I didn't let them sit upfront." Fox News Digital has reached out to Lyft for a statement. Bellevue police have asked any other victims of his to come forward, adding that he drove a Mitsubishi with the license plate number CBM2456. "Sexual assault incidents while using ridesharing services are rare, but the crime does happen – including in cities like Bellevue," the department said on social media. King County Jail records show Njoki remains in custody with bail set at $150,000. He is in the U.S. on a work visa, and has a pregnant wife and five children back home in Kenya, according to The article source: Washington Lyft driver charged after sexually assaulting teen passenger: police
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Yahoo
Lyft driver gropes 16-year-old and asks if she'll ‘kiss and tell,' WA cops say
A Lyft driver is accused of groping a 16-year-old girl during a ride and asking her if she would 'kiss and tell,' Washington prosecutors said. Martin Njoki, 43, from Kenya, was charged Monday, April 14, with indecent liberties and unlawful imprisonment with a sexual motivation enhancement, according to the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office. 'The behavior described is reprehensible and has no place in the Lyft community or society. We immediately banned the driver from the Lyft platform and reached out to the ride requester to offer support as soon as we became aware of the situation. We are also assisting law enforcement with their investigation,' a Lyft spokesperson told McClatchy News by email April 16. The incident was reported to police at 4:39 a.m. on Feb. 17, the Bellevue Police Department said in a probable cause statement. The teenage girl sneaked out of her house in Bellevue and took a Lyft to her 18-year-old boyfriend's house in SeaTac, police said. SeaTac is about a 20-mile drive south from Bellevue. The boyfriend called her a Lyft back home and watched her get into the car, he told police. The teen girl told police she opened the front door of the car, but there were items in the seat, so she tried to sit in the back. The driver moved the items and told her to sit in the front, so she did, police said. The girl and driver spoke for most of the ride, but as they got near her home, Njoki told her he liked her and asked, 'Do you kiss and tell?' according to the documents. Njoki asked if he could kiss her, and the teen told him she had a boyfriend, to which he responded, 'But you don't kiss and tell,' police said. He then forced her to touch his crotch and grabbed her arm and groped her when she tried to leave, according to the documents. She called her boyfriend crying, and he reported the assault to police, authorities said. Lyft suspended Njoki's account 'due to allegations relating to touching a passenger in a sexual manner without consent,' police said in the probable cause statement. He emailed Lyft and told the company he didn't touch the teen but she had gotten 'annoyed with me because I didn't let them sit upfront,' the court documents said. Njoki is in the U.S. on a work visa, and his pregnant wife and five children live in Kenya, police said. He is in jail and his bail is set at $150,000. His next court date is April 24. Bellevue is about a 10-mile drive east from Seattle. Uber driver trying to 'beat' yellow light crashes and injures passengers, AZ cops say 61-year-old Uber driver gropes woman after she ends call with sister, PA official says Man lures 13-year-old he met on TikTok to his apartment 300 miles away, PA cops say
