A somber crowd gathered at St Mary Magdalene Church in Woolwich on Wednesday evening to remember Kelyan Bokassa, the 14-year-old boy who was tragically stabbed to death on a London bus the day before. Around 35 mourners, including many of Kelyan’s friends, came together to honor the young life cut short by senseless violence.
Kelyan was traveling on the 472 bus to Abbey Wood around 2:30 pm on Tuesday when he was attacked as the bus passed through Woolwich Church Road. News of the brutal stabbing sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community.
Friends Remember a “Fun Guy” with a “Pure Heart”
At the vigil, one of Kelyan’s friends shared fond memories of the slain teenager. “He was a fun guy. He had a pure heart,” the boy told the congregation. “He would always be there for you.” The sentiment was echoed by many who knew Kelyan as a kind and loyal friend.
He loved to have his friends around and when they were round he would want to cook for them.
Mary Bokassa, Kelyan’s mother
Kelyan’s mother, Mary Bokassa, remembered her son as an energetic and talented boy who excelled at everything he tried. “He was good in music,” she told the BBC. “Anything he loves … he was doing to his best ability. He was good at football … and he was extremely good at drawing.”
A Community Grapples with Gang Violence
But beneath his potential, Kelyan had struggled against the pull of local gangs. His mother revealed that he had been “groomed” by these groups and had previously been taken into care as she fought to keep him safe. The tragedy has highlighted the ongoing crisis of youth violence and gang activity in the area.
Anti-knife campaigner Faron Paul, who attended the vigil, called for more support and opportunities for at-risk youth. “If there’s anybody here from the local government, from the council, from the government, really do try and make sure that you take the time and give them long-term support,” he urged. Paul warned that without intervention, the cycle of violence would only continue as young people sought revenge for their fallen friends.
A School Mourns a Former Student
Kelyan had briefly attended St Columba’s Catholic Boys School in Bexleyheath in 2022. The school expressed their sorrow at the loss of such a young life. “We are saddened by the loss of life in Woolwich yesterday of a young boy who was briefly a pupil of St Columba’s in 2022,” they said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”
As an aspiring rapper who performed under the name Grippa, Kelyan had begun to pursue his musical dreams, recording tracks that showcased his budding talent. But now, instead of anticipating his rise to stardom, his loved ones are left to mourn his untimely death.
Police Seek Justice as Community Begins to Heal
Local police are still searching for those responsible for Kelyan’s murder. “No arrests have been made at this early stage, but we are working at pace to identify and arrest those involved,” promised Chief Superintendent Louise Sargent. But even as they seek justice, the community knows the road to healing will be long.
As the vigil drew to a close, Reverend Jesse van der Valk reminded the congregation that this was a “time of reflection.” Mourners lit candles at the altar, their flickering light a symbol of hope in the darkness. In the face of such heartbreaking loss, the people of Woolwich are determined to combat the scourge of youth violence and build a safer future for their children. For Kelyan Bokassa, it is too late. But his memory will serve as a rallying cry for change, so that no more young lives are stolen by the knife.
