Protest survivor Ian Keya shot three times appeals for Ksh.500K medical support

In a post on his social media, Keya said that he was shot three times in the back outside Parliament during the protests and was initially listed among the deceased.

He noted that he was the only one among his group of friends who survived the shooting.

"I was shot three times in the back outside Parliament on June 25, 2024. I was among those shot that day and I was the only one who survived. My name was even listed among those who had died. The media did not expect me to make it," Keya said.

"We went out together, my friends never came back. I carry them with me every day. May they rest in peace."

More than two years later, Keya revealed that he is still dealing with the effects of the injuries, having endured a severe spinal cord injury, chronic pain, sepsis, bladder stones and numerous hospital admissions.

He is now appealing for financial support to meet the costs of physiotherapy, medication, follow-up appointments and other medical expenses.

"My biggest goal is to keep working on my recovery and regain my independence," Keya said.

Having launched a fundraising initiative on M-changa Africa, Keya has mobilised Ksh.233,762 against a target of Ksh.500,000.

Keya's appeal comes as the government continues its compensation programme for victims of human rights violations linked to protests.

The Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Human Rights Violations, chaired by Prof. Makau Mutua, recently announced that 1,083 protest victims had received a combined Ksh.1.014 billion under the programme.

Prof. Mutua said the compensation covered fatalities, injuries, sexual violence, economic losses and other recognised forms of harm.

According to the panel, each claim undergoes verification, authentication and categorisation before a payment decision is made.

The programme has also covered small and informal business owners whose livelihoods were affected by disruptions during the protests, with 139 verified economic-loss claims settled so far.

The claims were assessed using evidence including business records, police records, photographs and witness statements.

The panel revealed that it will continue processing claims beyond the earlier phases and provide further updates as subsequent phases are concluded.