Huruma trader shot by spolice officer during protests recounts ordeal

A female victim who was among three people shot by a police officer during protests in Nairobi’s Huruma estate on Wednesday has narrated her ordeal of what transpired before and after she was shot.

Leila Roba, who is still recuperating, says she was shot outside her shop and insists she was not among those protesting.

Leila is recovering at home as she recounts the painful moment that nearly took her life. She recently underwent a successful surgery to remove a bullet from her left hand.

The protesters were demanding the immediate arrest of a police officer accused of shooting and killing 21-year-old Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) student Sherly Achieng’ on Saturday when the three were shot.

Leila narrated to Citizen TV how she survived after being hit by a police bullet. She says she heard a heated commotion outside her shop and, when she stepped out to monitor what was happening, she was struck.

“Kenye ilifanyika sikuwa natarajia, nilisikia tu mkono imekuwa mzito ndio nikaona damu, nikaingishwa job kuangaliwa ndio nikakimbizwa Huruma Nursing, hapo madaktari walinitoa hiyo risasi na OCS akakuja akalipa bill na kuomba msamaha… hii ilikuta kama sijatarajia lakini sasa nimetolewa risasi na naendelea kupoa… I think ilikuwa accident,” said Leila.

Witnesses present at the scene corroborated that the shooting of Leila and the two others did not appear intentional.

They say the officer’s firearm discharged two bullets as she struggled with two young men who had been arrested and were attempting to escape.

“Sisi tulikuwa hapa na tuliona, huyo askari alikuwa ameangalia bunduki chini na kulikuwa na arrest… katika ile harakati ya kukabiliana kuwashika hao vijana walikuwa wanasumbua, huyo askari aliinama na akadischarge… kwangu siwezi sema ilikuwa intentional au alikuwa anataka kushoot,” said Stephen Mukwayo Salim, a witness.

Leila was shot alongside Bonaya Yussuf and Hassan Issak, who remain admitted at Kenyatta National Hospital (KMH). Their family says the bullet broke the leg of one of the victims.

The identity of the officer involved and whether any action has been taken against them remains unclear.