Samuel Omondi Okoth, a 21-year-old protester, is clinging to hope at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) after surviving a brutal encounter during last Tuesday’s demonstrations.
Omondi was shot eight times in the back using rubber bullets; only seven have been removed. The last one, dangerously lodged near his spinal cord, threatens his ability to walk and is yet to be extracted.
Witnesses said the Tuesday, June 17, 2025 protests were hijacked by unknown goons, as security forces stood back watching. Within the madness, Samuel was struck down. Eight rubber bullets hit him, all aimed at his back and the same spot.
Wamesema kuna bullet moja bado imebaki kwa spine wanaogopa kuinterfere nayo, waliniambia walitoa seven," Samuel stated.
His clothes, where the rubber bullets tore through, are a stark reminder of his pain. He is now forced to use a plastic bag for short calls.
Samuel claimed the same police officer who shot the masked hawker Boniface Kariuki is the one who shot him, right after Samuel asked why he had shot Kariuki.
"Ndio huyu hapa, nilikuwa nimuongeleshe, wengine walikuwa ile pande ingine wakarusha teargas ikaanguka karibu na sisi penye tulikuwa. Kwa ile harakati tunajaribu kuhepa nikaona ameinua hivi, alikuwa na short gun kwa mkono nikaona amenipoint nayo hivi. Before nianze kukimbia, alijifanya ni kama anaenda, nikaskia tu uzito kwa mgongo," he added.
Samuel said he was not the only one. Those who tried to assist him also felt the wrath of bullets.
"Wengine wawili wakarudi nyuma wakisema huyu jamaa ameshootiwa, tumsaidie. Ule mwingine alikuwa amenishika akashootiwa mguu akaiachilia. Ndiyo tulikuja nao kwa the same ambulance," he pointed out.
Doctors at KNH said that a spine specialist would attempt the delicate operation next week. If unsuccessful, Samuel could face permanent paralysis. His mother is pleading for financial assistance and justice.
Samuel can no longer sleep on his back due to the pain and the remaining bullet lodged in his spine. At the far end of the orthopedic section lies Francis Oduor, another victim.
He was heading home from work when a rubber bullet ruptured his leg during Thursday’s unrest.
"Mimi ilinipata bahati mbaya. Nilikuwa kwa line kupanda matatu kwenda home. Kukimbia niende kwa matatu wakatupa teargas karibu nne," Francis narrated.
"Dakika kidogo nikaskia tu pap, kuna mama alikuwa mbele yangu ameanguka. Kwenda kumrescue pia mimi nikaskia pap, nikaanguka. Watu walikuja wakanibeba na mkokoteni hadi nilibleed karibu one hour nikiwa hapo chini."
Both men, now patients, are collateral damage in a city grappling with growing unrest, rising force, and fading lines of accountability.
For Samuel and Francis, the recovery will take more than medicine. It demands answers, and action, from those entrusted with public safety. The two, among others, are requesting help to settle their bills.