Makutano village in Nguu/Masumba Ward was soaked in grief and rage on Saturday as hundreds gathered to lay to rest 33-year-old Garshon Mutisya Mwove — the young father fatally shot by police during anti-government protests in Emali on June 25.
The emotionally charged funeral turned into a rallying cry against police brutality, with mourners, leaders, and family members demanding accountability over what they called “a cold-blooded execution” of an unarmed protester.
Mutisya, described as a hardworking man and a devoted father to his son Samuel Muuo, was also the only child of his elderly parents, Mwove Kiyili and Josephine Masai. His death has become a symbol of the state’s violent crackdown on dissent.
Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr., who led the mourners, fiercely condemned the police for what he termed as “unjustified and cowardly shootings,” calling for justice not just for Mutisya, but for every Kenyan killed or maimed during the recent wave of demonstrations.
“This young man died because he dared to dream of a better country,” Mutula declared. “The government owes his family justice — and we will not rest until those responsible are held to account.”
In a rare moment of hope amid sorrow, the governor announced that the county government would offer a job to Mutisya’s widow and sponsor his sister’s education — a gesture that drew applause and tears from mourners.
Senator Daniel Maanzo, speaking at the graveside, accused the state of weaponizing the judiciary against youth who participated in the protests. He vowed to defend those facing charges under the Anti-Terrorism Act, calling it “a misuse of the law to silence public anger.”
The funeral attracted a strong political presence, including former Governor Prof. Kivutha Kibwana, MCAs Kyalo Mumo (Tulimani), Daniel Kivuva Musau (Nguu/Masumba), and CECM for Devolution Nicholas Nzioka. All called for restraint by law enforcement and urgent reforms in police accountability.
As Mutisya’s casket was lowered into the ground, the silence was punctuated by sobs, clenched fists, and whispers of rebellion — a reminder that his death, while tragic, had become a spark in a nation on edge.
