Written By Joyce Nzomo
A student from Thika Technical Institute is recovering in hospital after being shot during the June 25 protests in Thika town, amid growing concerns over access to emergency care during Kenya’s ongoing health workers’ strike.
Brian Omondi, 22, a third-year student studying Supply Chain and Management, was shot in the right leg at around 6:30 p.m. near Mukereti during Wednesday’s nationwide demonstrations. Witnesses say police opened fire as crowds were dispersing in the area.
After the shooting, Omondi was rushed to Vineyard Hospital, a private facility in Thika, but was allegedly turned away. He was later admitted to Thika Level 5 Hospital, where he reportedly spent more than 24 hours without medical attention due to the ongoing strike by doctors and other healthcare staff.
Omondi finally underwent surgery on Thursday to remove the bullet lodged in his leg. However, doctors say he will require an additional procedure to insert an intramedullary (IM) rod to stabilise the injured limb.
Speaking to Uzalendo News, Omondi’s family expressed frustration at what they described as a “failure of the entire system” from the police’s use of force to the lack of accessible emergency care.
“He lay in pain for over a day without treatment. No one should suffer like that,” said a family member.
The hospital has informed the family that all medical costs, including surgery and rehabilitation, will be billed to Omondi after discharge. With no clear financial assistance in place, the family fears the burden will be overwhelming.
