James Mbugua: Nakuru's warrior with disability on the frontline of anti-Gov’t protests

The anti-government protests that began a month ago across the country have propelled new faces of protesters to the limelight, who are seemingly bold despite attempts to block their quest to demonstrate.

In Nakuru, 32-year-old James Mbugua, a person living with disability, has been on the frontline during anti-government protests, and he has been persistent and consistent throughout the protests since they began on June 18.

Mbugua has attracted unwanted police attention in several instances.

From police firing tear gas canisters at him on the streets to getting bungled into an unmarked police vehicle during protests last Tuesday Mbugua's bold stance has caught many an eye.

“Mimi ata mawe siwezi chukua nirushe, ata ukinikimbiza siwezi kimbia ata mita moja kama hujanishika ...I am just harmless but surely, wananirushia kama tear gas tano; just because I want to raise my voice,” he said.

Citizen TV caught up with Mbugua at his home in Nakuru where he retreats every night when the protests are over and when the loud bang of tear gas canisters exploding and guns blazing goes silent.

Mbugua is a family man; a father and husband, and narrated what drives him to take to the streets every Tuesday.

“Naona I’m struggling to get at least Ksh.500 kulisha watoto wangu, then unakuta kuna mtu corrupt kwa gava anavaa watch ya Ksh.6 million…ninaanza kukumbuka mtoto wangu analala njaa  na hio pesa ni kodi nimekatwa. That's why lazima nijitokezee kwa barabara,” he lamented.

The father of two says that the rise of youth-led protests has intimidated the security apparatus who are in turn harassing protesters and he has also not been spared.

“Walininyang’anya simu; I was holding a flag and a whistle and when I met the OCS, he snatched the flag and after asking what I had done, aliniambia niondoke…I felt insecure,” he said.

“Polisi watatu walinishika, wakakuja na kunibeba kwa gari yao. Niliumia mguu nafeel insecure kabisa hakuna makosa nilifanya.”

The incident has since sent his wife Esther Kariuki into panic mode every time he leaves to go to demonstrations. She says that each time she hopes and prays that he comes home safe.

“Maandamano inanipa woga; akitoka naomba arudi safe. Tulikuwa tunacommunicate, napiga hashiki, akaniambia amepelekwa Central,” she explained.

He says he will not relent in fighting for his rights, despite being uniquely able.