The anti-government protests that erupted between June and August of 2024 left a trail of devastation, with more than 600 people injured, including victims of bullet wounds, fractures, burns, soft tissue injuries, and the harsh effects of tear gas inhalation. At least 60 lives were lost, and 26 people have gone missing, their fates unknown. Among the injured, some continue to recover in hospitals, while others bear long-lasting scars physical and emotional of the violent demonstrations.
Citizen TV spoke to several victims whose lives were forever altered by the brutality during the protests. Among them is Esther Wangui, a resident of Ruiru in Kiambu County, whose 29-year-old nephew, Brian Mwangi, is battling severe injuries sustained during the protests in Karatina, Nyeri County, on August 8th. Brian, an orphan, was shot during the unrest, and the bullet lodged near his spinal cord left him paralyzed on one side of his body.
Sitting at her home, Wangui reflected on the painful reality of her nephew’s condition. “Brian has not walked since the shooting. He cannot turn or move independently because of the paralysis,” she said. The doctors are working to treat his bedsores, which have delayed his much-needed surgery. Wangui shared that the growing hospital bill of 600,000 shillings is a heavy burden on the family, which has no means of paying it.
The daily struggles of the family are overwhelming. “Every morning, I prepare myself for the journey to the hospital. I spend 350 shillings daily before I even buy food,” Wangui explained. Despite his condition, Brian requires constant care and attention. Wangui added, “At 29, his life has been forever changed by this shooting during the protests. He was just doing his work when it happened.” The family is calling on the government to take responsibility and ensure that Brian receives the treatment he urgently needs.
The situation for victims like Wangui’s nephew is compounded by the lack of support from government officials. “We haven’t received any calls, no help from anyone. Not even the local MCA has reached out,” Wangui lamented. With no assistance in sight, she turned to the public for help. “I appeal to any well-wishers to assist us because this is a heavy burden for our family,” she pleaded.
In Botori village, Kisii County, Daniel Mageka, another victim of the protests, is confined to his sofa, watching a church service on TV. He was injured on June 25th when a tear gas canister hit him during the Kisii protests, leaving him with a fractured knee and burns. Mageka, who took part in the protests driven by frustration over the high cost of living and the proposed Finance Bill 2024, explained the economic hardships that led him to the streets.
“I participated because the economic situation had become unbearable. The government’s tax proposal pushed many of us to protest,” Mageka shared. However, the injury changed his life. He now needs physiotherapy to regain full movement, which he cannot afford. “The doctors say I need therapy, but I can’t afford the costs. I’ve been using a stick to move around instead of crutches,” he said.
The financial strain has been tough on his family. “Since Daniel’s injury, life has become difficult. He used to help with the household income, but now he’s unable to work,” said his mother, Josephine Moraa. Despite these hardships, Mageka does not regret his participation. The withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024 and the government’s current engagement with the people have given him a sense of accomplishment.
However, both Mageka and Wangui are united in their call for justice. They urge the government to ensure that the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) completes its investigations into the police excesses during the protests and that victims like Brian Mwangi and Daniel Mageka receive the justice and support they deserve.
For these victims, recovery is not just about physical healing, but also about the recognition of the pain they endured during the protests. Their plea is for accountability and assistance, as they navigate lives that have been forever changed by the tragic events.
