Family seeks justice as man who sustained spinal injury during May fuel hike protests dies

Mwaura, who had undergone a major operation and remained bedridden at home, passed away just hours before arrangements had been made to transfer him for further medical care on Tuesday last week.

At Kiratina Estate in Nakuru East, grief hangs heavy over the home of Mwaura, a carpenter and father of three whose life changed dramatically after he sustained serious injuries during protests against rising fuel prices on May 18, 2026.

“Aliamka akaenda kutafuta vitu za fundi town…aliamka saa moja town akachukua mzigo akasema kuna shida ya usafiri akakuja mpaka Free Area na kule naishi Kiratina upande wa free area kulikuwa na machafuko akanipigia akaniambia amefika free area hawezi fika Kiratina,” his wife Jane Wangui recalls.

His wife remembers speaking to him as gunshots rented the air. Mwaura expressed  fears about the worsening situation. Hours later, friends informed the wife of the events.

“Nikaskia mwenye anaongea anasema najua Jermy vizuri na amesurroundiwa na polisi,” she says.

Mwaura was initially admitted to Nakuru Teaching and Referral Hospital before being transferred to Tenwek Hospital in Bomet County, where he underwent major spinal surgery. He had spent months in and out of hospital while his family struggled to meet medical bills in the upwards of Ksh.600,000.

“Aligongwa na miti ya jembe, nyuma ya shingo akaanguka, watu wa redcross walimchukua wakampeleka PGH. Spine Injury iliaffect nerves ikaparalyze one side,” says David Kuria, a human rights activist.

Mwaura's health deteriorated and the family made plans for him to receive specialised treatment at a private Hospital. But tragedy struck on Tuesday morning.

“Nikaamka nikapata amelala, nikamuuliza unaskia aje hakuniongelesha, kumguza ni mmoto lakini haongei nikaita majirani,” recalls his wife.

His death has renewed questions about accountability for victims who suffer serious injuries during public demonstrations.

By the time he died, Mwaura had not received compensation from the government, despite pursuing the course.

“Alikuwa kwenye harakati ya kupata fidia. Serikali iharakishe hii mambo ya kupata fidia,” Kuria says.

“Nimetembelea IPOA nimejaza document zote, niko mahali pabaya hata maombolezi na mazishi sijui itakuwa aje…mnihurumie niko na mzigo mzito, ameacha watoto watatu ….kazi zangu ni vibarua,” adds Wangui.

His family is now calling for justice as they prepare to lay him to rest.