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.
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