A 14-year-old boy from Nakuru’s Bondeni Estate has returned home after surviving a harrowing ordeal during the recent Finance Bill protests.
The young student, who went to town to buy an inhaler for his asthmatic mother, found himself caught in a crossfire, resulting in him being shot 11 times by police attempting to disperse protesters.
The boy’s account of the incident is equally heart-rending. “Niliamka kwenda tao kutafutia mama dawa, kutafuta dawa nikaona gari imekuja wakatutupia teargas nikalala chini wakapata njia ya kunipiga risasi… waliponishoot aliniambia niamke niende nyumbani,” he recounted.
Speaking during a TV interview, his mother, Caroline Chepkoech, recounted the devastating events which occurred on June 27.
“Hapa tumefika ana maumivu usiku anaanza kuita ghai…namwambia avumilie kwenye mungu amemtoa ni mbali.”
She further added that the prescribed medication has run out, leaving them unable to properly manage his pain and infections.
Doctors were able to remove most of the bullets from his body during emergency surgery. However, five bullets remain lodged in his back, presenting a significant risk if removed. As a result, the family now faces an ongoing financial and emotional battle. The boy’s injuries require daily wound dressing and medication, costing Ksh.300 per day, a sum that the struggling family cannot afford.
Chepkoech appeals to the public for help. “Ningeomba kama kuna uwezo asaidiwe kwasababu yeye ni mwanafunzi na hatuna uwezo,” she pleaded.
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