At 3pm on Tuesday, Reuben, who chose to use one name, joined the anti-tax protests on Kenyatta Avenue in Nairobi, and headed toward the Supreme Court buildings.
He only remembers taking the turn on Kimathi Avenue, and police firing tear gas at the largely peaceful picketers.
“Then everyone started scampering in all directions. I took an alley toward Moi Avenue. I later found myself at Kenyatta National Hospital at night,” he told the Star.
Reuben sustained head injuries. He said he may have been hit with a police baton. He doesn’t know for sure.
He was released on Wednesday afternoon after a CT scan showed no serious concussion. The hospital only admitted people with serious injuries.
“I plan to go to another hospital for a check-up,” he said.
He is lucky to be alive.
The hospital on Wednesday reported two more protesters died, bringing the death toll to around 15. No one knows for sure.
The Kenya Medical Association had earlier estimated that 13 people died, based on reports from different health facilities around the city.
“So far, we have at least 13 people killed, but this is not the final number,” said Simon Kigondu, president of the Kenya Medical Association.
“So far, we have at least 13 people killed, but this is not the final number,” Simon Kigondu, president of the Kenya Medical Association said, adding, “I have never seen “such level of violence against unarmed people.”
At KNH, Dr Wabwire said they had received more than 200 injured protesters by Wednesday morning.
“We received our first patient at 11am (on Tuesday). We have 165 discharged and we operated on 72. There are 24 other patients who spent at the hospital overnight,” he said.
Dr Wabwire said about eight were undergoing surgeries on Wednesday and 23 were on the waiting list for additional procedures.
“We have prioritised those who needed immediate procedures,” he said.
Dr Wabwire said the injuries range from trauma, and gunshot wounds from rubber bullets. Six patients had live bullet wounds.
“Most of the casualties were from Githurai estate. We have activated emergency response teams to ensure we can handle the influx,” he said.
He said 15 patients all came from Githurai and the hospital has established a desk to help families trace their loved ones.
“We have a triage system that’s colour coded to help us determine what cases to prioritise on. We mobilised our blood transfusion unit for blood donation but we need more; it can never be enough,” he said.
Separately, an ambulance service owned by the Kenya Red Cross Society, said on Tuesday they evacuated nearly 200 injured protesters to KNH and Nairobi West Hospitals.
A statement from Emergency-Plus Medical Services said: “To ensure immediate medical assistance, E-plus strategically established triage sites at Holy Family Basilica, All Saints Cathedral, Jamia Mosque, and across all counties. As of 1600hrs, our dedicated teams provided on-site care to 100 casualties and evacuated 43 critically injured individuals to Kenyatta Hospital and Nairobi West Hospital.”
Susan Ng’ong’a, the managing director, asked the public and the police to ensure emergency vehicles are not obstructed during protests.
“Our paramount concern is the health and safety of all individuals affected by the protests. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the public for their support and urgently call for further cooperation. Our emergency teams must be allowed to perform their essential duties without interference, ensuring timely and life-saving care for those in need,” she said.