Governor Irungu Kang'ata with medics at Murang'a County Referral Hospital ICU unit, where 22-year-old Kelvin Mwaniki is admittedMurang’a County Government will waive medical bills for youths shot during the Saba Saba protests on Monday.
Governor Irungu Kang’ata confirmed that one person is admitted to the County Referral Hospital’s ICU, while another is receiving treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital.
Three others are hospitalised at Githumu Mission Hospital, four at Aberdare Modern Hospital, and two were treated and discharged from Kigumo Sub-County Hospital.
“A total of 11 people were injured and all are reported to be in stable condition,” Kang’ata said while visiting the patient in the ICU at Murang’a County Referral Hospital.
Four youths lost their lives during the protests, two from gunshot wounds in Kangema, one in Kabati, and another in Kangari.
“I want to pass my condolences to the families that have lost their loved ones and assure them that we will stand with them,” the governor said.
Kang’ata praised health workers for their tireless efforts to save lives, noting their role in preventing further fatalities.
He observed that Murang’a has experienced several protests since June last year, which had largely been peaceful.
The governor stressed that while Kenyans have a right to protest, the loss of lives and destruction of property are regrettable.
Governor Irungu Kang'ata (right) with Harry Mbote, whose brother is in ICU and Benjamin Kioko, who lost his brother during Monday's protests at KangariHe urged leaders to be open to criticism and emphasised the need to allow youths to air their grievances.
“We have realised that those involved were not locals and looted two branches of County Supermarket at Kenol and Kabati,” Kang’ata said.
“The proprietor of Magunas Supermarket also suffered losses after his branches in Kahawa West and Meru were looted.”
In Murang’a town, numerous stalls were destroyed, and a backstreet hotel was broken into, with foodstuffs consumed.
Youths also pelted Kangari Police Station with stones and vandalised the town’s post office.
Police reports indicate that 33 people have been arrested in connection with the protests, with eight already arraigned at Kandara Law Courts.
Harry Mbote, brother to 22-year-old Kelvin Mwaniki, who is admitted at Murang’a County Hospital, said Mwaniki was shot twice in the abdomen.
He explained that his brother, a boda boda operator, completed secondary school two years ago and joined protests on Sunday evening over rising insecurity.
“The culprits who are known are arrested and released. All they wanted was for security officers to assure them of their safety,” Mbote said.
The protests escalated on Monday as youths were joined by others participating in the Sabasaba demonstrations.
Peter Musyoki, a resident of Kangari town, said his family is preparing for the burial of 30-year-old Julius Muli, who was pronounced dead on arrival at Murang’a County Hospital on Monday.
Muli, a casual labourer, will be buried on July 16 in Machakos County.
