A boda boda operator identified as Daniel Gichimu is nursing injuries after he was shot seven times in Ruiru by men believed to be police officers during the recent fuel protests.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, May 26, Gichimu said doctors at Kiambu Level V Hospital managed to remove four bullets from his body, although three are still lodged inside him.
“I am persevering because I am in a lot of pain because three bullets are still lodged in my body,” he said.
According to Gichimu, he was not participating in the protests and was instead at his boda boda stage when protesters fleeing from police officers ran towards his direction.
“I was at the boda boda stage when a crowd running away from the police came towards us. I was then shot by officers who sped off in a vehicle,” he narrated.
The rider said he initially did not realize he had been shot and was rushed to a hospital in Ruiru by fellow boda boda operators before being referred to Kiambu Level V Hospital for specialized treatment.
He questioned why officers used excessive force while handling protesters.
His lawyer, Patrick Kung’u, condemned the incident, terming it a case of police brutality.
“We thank God that they were rubber bullets, but that is not to say it is excusable because my client was not a threat to anyone’s safety. There was no justification to shoot him at close range,” the lawyer stated.
Daniel is among at least 30 people reportedly injured during the fuel protests held on May 18.
Four protesters lost their lives while hundreds of others were arrested during the demonstrations.
