In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary…
- Roy Mwaniki, a victim of police brutality during the ‘Nane Nane’ protests, has shared his distressing experience and injuries.
- The 27-year-old from Syokimau faces ongoing recovery and potential corrective surgery, highlighting widespread issues of police violence in Kenya.
A week after the ‘Nane Nane’ protests, Roy Mwaniki, a 27-year-old from Syokimau in Machakos County, has come forward with a harrowing account of police brutality. Mwaniki was going about his day in Nairobi’s CBD when police officers abruptly targeted him.
In a distressing video that surfaced, Mwaniki is shown crawling and bleeding from his face after a brutal assault by anti-riot police.
Journalists covering the protests intervened, and Mwaniki was rushed to the hospital. He suffered injuries to his right eye, mouth, arm, and shoulders and continues to struggle with recovery.
The video highlights the shocking violence inflicted by both uniformed and plainclothes police on Mwaniki and his cousin, who were heading home from work.
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Mwaniki, who was not involved in the protests, was left reeling from the attack. A week later, he remains in emotional shock and physical pain.
Citizen TV visited Mwaniki at his home in Syokimau, where he recounted the attack. “Nilikuwa natoka job na cuzo kama kawaida, kufika Moi Avenue opposite Sports House kuna polisi waliturukia na marungu,” he said.
Mwaniki lost consciousness after being struck by a police baton, and journalists had to rush him to the hospital.
The assault resulted in the loss of four teeth, severely impairing his ability to eat solid food.
He now relies on liquid nourishment. “I can’t use my mouth, siwezi umma… saa hii nasurvive on things like yogurt,” Mwaniki added.
He is scheduled for a follow-up appointment at Kenyatta National Hospital in two weeks, where doctors will decide if corrective surgery is needed.
Mwaniki mentioned, “Niliambiwa nilibreak eye socket… but haijaafect macho though iko blurry… surgeon alisema ataona in two weeks kama nitafanya surgery.”
Mwaniki’s experience is part of a broader issue of police brutality in Kenya. Many have suffered similar violence, both during recent protests and in routine encounters with the police.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is currently reviewing numerous cases of police brutality.
“Ni injustice viserious manze… sababu mimi hakuna kitu nilikuwa nimefanya… do you run from the police or to the police? Sasa hivi sijaweza kuenda job kabisa,” Mwaniki said.