'Nane Nane': Missing teeth, eye injuries as police brutality victim recounts harrowing experience

A week after the 'Nane Nane' protests, a victim of police brutality has come forward to share his harrowing experience at the hands of the police.

Roy Mwaniki, a 27-year-old resident of Syokimau in Machakos County, was going about his day in the city's CBD when police officers suddenly targeted him.

In a distressing video, Mwaniki is seen crawling and bleeding from his face after being brutally assaulted by anti-riot police.

Thanks to the intervention of journalists covering the protests, he was rushed to the hospital. Mwaniki sustained injuries to his right eye, mouth, arm, and shoulders and is still struggling to recover.

The video revealed the stark brutality of the men in uniform moments after police - both in uniform and in civilian clothes - violently attacked Mwaniki and his cousin as they were heading home from work.

He was left reeling from their merciless assault during the 'Nane Nane' protests, which Mwaniki says he was not even part of.

A week later, he is still grappling with emotional shock and physical pain from his injuries.

Citizen TV visited him at his home in Syokimau, Machakos County, where he recounted the horrifying incident from the moment police began their assault.

"Nilikuwa natoka job na cuzo kama kawaida, kufika Moi Avenue opposite Sports House kuna polisi waliturukia na marungu,” he said.

Mwaniki described how he lost consciousness after being struck on the right side of his face by a police baton. Journalists covering the protests had to intervene and rush him to the hospital.

As a result of the attack, Mwaniki lost four teeth, severely impairing his ability to eat solid food. He now relies on liquid nourishment.

"I can’t use my mouth, siwezi umma... saa hii nasurvive on things like yogurt,” Mwaniki added.

He is scheduled for a follow-up appointment at Kenyatta National Hospital in two weeks, where doctors will decide if corrective surgery is necessary.

"Niliambiwa nilibreak eye socket… but haijaafect macho though iko blurry… surgeon alisema ataona in two weeks kama nitafanya surgery,” Mwaniki noted.

Mwaniki's case is not isolated. Many others have suffered similar brutality, not only during recent anti-government protests but in general encounters with the police. Kenyan police have gained a notorious reputation for their harsh treatment of civilians.

"Ni injustice viserious manze... sababu mimi hakuna kitu nilikuwa nimefanya… do you run from the police or to the police? Sasa hivi sijaweza kuenda job kabisa,” he added.

Numerous cases of police brutality are currently under review by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).