Medical professionals at Kiambu Level 5 Hospital successfully extracted four of seven rubber bullets from the body of a middle-aged man injured during police action at Monday’s fuel protests in Ruiru town.
Following his discharge, the victim, Ndia Gichimu, recounted the traumatic incident. Gichimu, a motorcycle taxi operator, was waiting for passengers at the Rainbow stage when a police vehicle passed by. Suddenly, he collapsed and was transported to Ruiru Hospital before being transferred to Kiambu Level 5 for specialized treatment.
“I was sitting waiting for customers when I saw the police vehicle,” Gichimu explained. “The next moment, people were scrambling for safety, and I woke up in a hospital bed.”
Gichimu described the experience as the worst of his life. Although his condition is stable enough for discharge, he continues to experience significant pain.
“This is an ordeal I would not wish upon anyone,” he stated. “The officer responsible should receive a deterrent sentence to set an example for others. The pain I’m feeling is immense.”
He mentioned experiencing severe bleeding, which medical staff managed to control. Gichimu called for a thorough investigation into the incident, expressing relief that he survived, noting that live ammunition would likely have been fatal.
Patrick Kung’u, the victim’s lawyer, condemned the shooting, emphasizing that his client was not participating in the protests but was engaged in his daily routine when targeted by the officer.
Kung’u accused police of using excessive force and announced plans to escalate the matter to the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) for a comprehensive investigation of the entire incident.
“We believe that with sufficient time, IPOA will develop a substantive solution for this serious matter,” Kung’u added.
The lawyer further indicated he would pursue compensation for damages suffered by his client, noting the trauma experienced.