In the center of the chaos stands a young individual named Frank Okoth, previously believed to have perished following six gunshot wounds inflicted by anti-riot police.
Frank recounted the harrowing incident during an interview with Citizen TV on June 30, 2024 at his residence in Land Mawe area, Nairobi.
During the initial wave of anti-Finance Bill protests, Frank was shot while lying helpless on the steps of a building in Nairobi’s CBD, visibly writhing in agony as captured in videos circulating on social media.
Clad in a red shirt and carrying a black and white backpack, Frank bore a gunshot wound on his abdomen, struggling for breath as onlookers frantically dialed for assistance.
He was swiftly transported to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) for urgent medical attention, although he was mistakenly presumed dead last Tuesday.
Presently confined to his home, where he resides with his grandmother, Frank reflected on how people had mistakenly believed he was killed.
According to Frank, he joined the street protests because he is unemployed.
“Prior to the demonstrations, I had been job hunting without success, hence my decision to participate in the protests,” he said.
Amid the crowd near the Parliament building, Frank found himself at the forefront as the group stormed the National Assembly.
“I was among those at the forefront, attempting to communicate our peaceful intentions to the police, only to be met with tear gas and gun shots,” he recounted.
He went on to describe the dynamics of the situation, saying, “The officers at the front were observant, while those on the periphery were the ones who resorted to gunfire.”
Subsequently injured and captured in footage being hurried into an ambulance bound for the national referral hospital, Frank regained consciousness days later post multiple surgical procedures aimed at removing the embedded bullets.
Recounting a friend’s disbelief at his survival, Frank shared, “A friend of mine approached me claiming that news of my demise had spread, but I reassured him of my well-being.”
Discharged from the hospital, Frank now finds himself bedridden, expressing gratitude for his survival and acknowledging the challenges he faces.
Upon facing a substantial hospital bill of Ksh45,000, Frank’s grandmother shared the financial burden, stating, “A bill of forty-five thousand shillings, with not a single shilling to my name. I currently possess a notebook and have managed to collect five hundred shillings.”
Encouraging his fellow Kenyans to persevere in the struggle, Frank rallied, “Let us continue with the protests until the day we secure our rights.”