A man from Nakuru who became famous after a video showed him fearlessly chasing police officers with a machete during recent protests has now been found in serious condition.
After going missing for days, he was discovered in Thika, badly injured and barely conscious. He is currently receiving treatment in hospital, and his condition has been described as critical.
Viral Video of Brave Protester
The man went viral after he was caught on camera during the height of protests in Nakuru. The protests had entered their second day, triggered by the shooting of a civilian by police officers.
In the video, he was seen charging at anti-riot police while holding a machete (commonly known as a panga) as tear gas filled the air and live bullets rang out.
Despite the danger, the man moved fearlessly towards the officers, forcing them to retreat. The crowd around him cheered in support, treating him as a symbol of bravery and resistance.
His actions reflected the growing frustration and anger among locals who were protesting police violence.
Disappearance Sparks Public Outcry
Shortly after the video went viral, the man mysteriously disappeared. Eyewitnesses claim that unknown people—believed to be state security officers—took him away.
His sudden absence caused alarm, with both the public and human rights organisations raising concerns about his safety.
Calls for answers grew louder after a local politician spoke out, demanding that the government explain the protester’s disappearance. Many feared he had been abducted or harmed due to his bold actions during the protests.
Found Injured in Thika
Under increasing pressure, it was later revealed that the protester had been found in Thika, far from Nakuru. Reports say he had been dumped there by unidentified individuals.
When found, he was in very poor condition, with visible injuries on his body suggesting he had been beaten.
He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors are now fighting to save his life. Sources at the hospital say he remains in critical condition.
Kenyans React on Social Media
The incident has triggered mixed reactions online. While many Kenyans admired the man’s courage during the protest, others felt he had taken things too far by attacking police officers with a weapon.
Social media users expressed their thoughts, some criticising the man for making risky decisions, while others reflected on how protesters are often left to suffer alone after being hailed as heroes.
Daglas Okoth commented, “Only a fool tests the depth of the water with both feet. That man took a huge risk without thinking of the consequences.”
Adhis Jaccy wrote, “You entertained the crowd, now you’re on your own. Are you also asking for a fundraising now?”
Isaac Kiprotich Tambuiyan said, “You made the crowd happy, but now you’re the one in pain.”
Wakii Juli added, “They called you a ‘hero’, but now you’re lying alone in a hospital bed, carrying your own cross.”
Growing Concern Over Protester Safety
This incident has raised serious questions about the treatment of protesters in Kenya. Human rights defenders are urging the government to come clean on what happened to the man after his arrest.
Many fear that cases like his may be part of a larger trend where outspoken citizens are silenced through violence.
The story of this Nakuru protester is now being closely followed by the public, who are demanding justice, transparency, and better protection for citizens who choose to speak out against injustice.
