Philip Oketch: Kenyatta University Student Shot in the Neck Sends Strong Message to Ruto
- Philip Oketch joined Kenyans who were demonstrating in Nairobi's Central Business District on Tuesday, June 17
- Unfortunately, Oketch was shot in the neck and rushed to the Kenyatta National Hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment
- While dressed in a hospital gown, Oketch sent a strong message to President William Ruto and his administration
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Faith Chandianya, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and Current Affairs in Kenya
Nairobi: Philip Oketch, a Kenyatta University student, has finally spoken, a day after he was shot by police officers during the protest in CBD.
Source: Facebook
While dressed in a hospital gown, Oketch, who seemingly looked like he was recuperating well, called out the Kenya Kwanza administration.
What Philip Oketch told William Ruto
He further sent a message to President William Ruto urging him to rein in the National Police Service (NPS) over increased cases of police brutality.
"Allow me to send a message to the Commander-in-Chief, President William Ruto. We are tired. We want to tell you that this country does not belong to anyone. This country belongs to our forefathers, the future generation and us, the citizens of this country," he said.
"We want you to take control of men in police uniform who swore to take care of the citizens," Oketch said.
The student complained that the police have gone against their oath to protect Kenyans by attacking them.
"They have proven that they can be a burning problem towards the unarmed, sober, innocent citizens of Kenya," he added.
He further stated that no amount of threats or intimidation will keep Kenyans from demanding justice.
Before Oketch's announcement, the Embakasi East Member of Parliament, Babu Owino, broke the news of his shooting, stating that he was undergoing emergency treatment.
Babu added that Oketch was from Karachuonyo, Homa Bay County, and was in the process of tracing his close family members.
Source: Facebook
In response to Oketch's shooting, the Homa Bay County University Student Association (HUSA) strongly called out the police over the shooting of one of its members.
The association further implored students across the country to stand in solidarity with Oketch.
Oketch, who serves as HUSA's chief of staff, is also the chairman of the Homa Bay Youths Forum.
Mask vendor in critical condition after being shot
Oketch's shooting coincided with that of the mask vendor Boniface Kariuki.
The hawker was captured in a video being shoved by two police officers, before one of them shot him in the head.
Kariuki was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital, where a surgery was carried out on him for two hours to remove the bullet that was lodged in his brain.
The doctors confirmed that the surgery was successful and that Kariuki was taken to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for close monitoring.
John Kariuki, Boniface's father, condemned the acts of brutality against his son. He called on the government to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
