Community pays tribute to aspiring rapper, 14, stabbed to death on bus
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A community has paid tribute to a 14-year-old boy with a “pure heart” who was stabbed to death on a bus in south-east London. Aspiring rapper Kelyan Bokassa was fatally injured on a route 472 bus in Woolwich Church Street, near Woolwich Ferry, just before 2.30pm on Tuesday.
On Wednesday evening, around 40 mourners, including friends of the victim, gathered at a vigil held at St Mary Magdalene Church, which overlooks the bus stop where Kelyan died. Kelyan had been due at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on Friday January 10 accused of bringing a machete into Ravensbourne College in Greenwich on May 3 last year, a charge sheet showed.
He was charged with possession of an offensive weapon in a public place and having a knife blade or sharp pointed article in a public place. Mourners carried bunches of flowers and wiped away tears as moments of silence were held between readings and music on Wednesday.
During the service, one of Kelyan’s friends paid tribute to him. The teenage boy said: “He was a fun guy. He had a pure heart. He would always be there for you.”. He then joked about Kelyan eating “bare food”. Prayers and Bible readings on the importance of children, protecting young people and reducing violence were led by Reverend Jesse van der Valk and Bishop of Woolwich Alastair Cutting.
Anti-knife campaigner Faron Paul also attended the service where he called for more support and opportunities for those affected by violence. Of Kelyan’s loved ones, Mr Paul said: “If there’s anybody in here from the local government, if there’s anybody here from the council, from the Government, really do try and make sure that you take the time and give them long-term support.
