Despite initial reports of his death from injuries sustained during Tuesday’s anti-government protests, a protester named Kevin Lubega, aged 20, is currently recovering at a local hospital. Lubega claims he was injured while protesting against the Ruto-led Kenya Kwanza administration, alleging that he was hit by a tear gas canister thrown by a police officer.
“I didn’t see the officer properly, but I felt the impact of the tear gas canister hitting me,” Lubega told the media from his hospital bed. “I fell to the ground unconscious, with blood gushing from one side of my face.” He recounted how fellow protesters came to his aid amidst the chaos and rushed him to a nearby medical facility.
According to Lubega, those who helped him initially believed he had been fatally shot. He also described how tear gas was deployed inside the medical facility, causing distress to patients and staff alike.
Lubega, a father of two, shared his plight with NTV, explaining that he earns a living by assisting private motorists in finding parking in Nairobi’s congested CBD. He appealed for assistance from well-wishers, stating that his current condition prevents him from caring for his children or paying their school fees.
“I need help because I have two children depending on me. I haven’t finished paying their school fees, and I also owe rent,” he added.
The protests, which began a month ago over proposed tax increases, have resulted in at least 50 deaths. Despite President William Ruto withdrawing the legislation and dismissing most of his cabinet, activists continue to demand his resignation and systemic reforms to combat corruption and improve governance.
“We have credible intelligence that organized criminal groups are planning to exploit these protests for criminal activities, including looting,” said Douglas Kanja Kiricho, the chief of police, in a statement late Wednesday. “No demonstrations will be allowed in the Nairobi Central Business District and its environs until further notice to ensure public safety.”
The protests, organized largely online without clear support from opposition political figures, represent the most significant crisis of Ruto’s presidency, which has seen escalating tensions and sporadic violence. Despite plans for talks to address protesters’ grievances, there were no indications that these discussions had commenced by Thursday.
