A viral video showing police officers roughly handling and arresting an activist living with a disability during the second anniversary of the June 25 Gen Z-led protests has thrust 34-year-old James Thuku Mbugua back into the national spotlight.
The footage, recorded during demonstrations in Nakuru City on Thursday, June 25, sparked outrage on social media, with many Kenyans questioning why officers used force against a man who relies on crutches for mobility.
The Story of James Mbugua, Activist Living With a Disability
The widely circulated video shows James Mbugua attempting to cross a street with the assistance of another man after police officers mounted a barricade during the demonstrations.
Moments later, a police Land Cruiser carrying more than 10 armed officers speeds into the scene. The officers, armed with firearms, batons, and tear gas launchers, quickly disembark from the vehicle.
The driver immediately rushes towards Mbugua, while the other officers follow closely behind. The man assisting him manages to flee, leaving Mbugua alone as officers close in on him.
Mbugua, unable to move quickly because of his disability, drops his crutches and falls to the ground while attempting to escape.
Officers are then seen dragging him along the road before forcefully tossing him into the waiting police vehicle.
Uproar as Police Violently Arrest Mbugua
Nominated Senator Crystal Asige was among those who condemned the incident, describing it as “monstrous” and demanding an explanation from the National Police Service.
“This is monstrous! IG Douglas Kanja, we need an explanation from the National Police Service,” she said.
In an update on Friday, June 26, Asige identified the activist as James Thuku, popularly known as James Mbugua, and confirmed that he was being held at Nakuru Central Police Station.
“I have been able to confirm that he was arrested and is being held at Nakuru Central Police Station. His name is James Thuku. Charges: Incitement to Violence,” she stated.
The incident has also drawn condemnation from the United Disabled Persons of Kenya (UDPK), which said the treatment of Mbugua appeared to violate the rights guaranteed under the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2025.
Citing Section 17 of the law, the organisation noted that, “Every person with disability has the right to be protected against all forms of abuse, neglect, exploitation and physical, mental, sexual, or emotional violence.”
UDPK said it was deeply concerned that such rights appeared to have been violated by the very officers entrusted with protecting the public in broad daylight and in full view of witnesses.
“How then are persons with disabilities behind bars being treated? How are they treated when they visit police stations to seek services?” it posed.
UDPK called for an immediate and independent investigation into the conduct of the officers involved and demanded accountability should any violations be established.
Also Read: IG Kanja Faces Court Action Over Unannounced Nairobi Road Closures
A Familiar Face in Nakuru Protests
For many residents of Nakuru, Mbugua is no stranger to the streets.
Since anti-government protests erupted in June 2024, he has been one of the most visible faces of the demonstrations in Nakuru’s central business district.
He has attracted unwanted police attention in several instances.
Despite living with a disability, Mbugua has repeatedly joined protests carrying a Kenyan flag and a whistle, demanding accountability, better governance, and an end to corruption.
His determination has made him a symbol of resilience among protesters and drawn national attention to his plight.
“I Am Harmless”
In previous interviews, Mbugua questioned why police viewed him as a threat.
“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.”
In another emotional account, he spoke about the economic hardships facing his family and why he felt compelled to join the protests.
Mbugua said he is a family man driven by his daily struggle to raise KSh500, in contrast to politicians who show off their wealth.
“Naona I’m struggling kupata angalau KSh500 kulisha watoto wangu, then unakuta kuna mtu corrupt kwa gava anavaa watch ya KSh6 million. Ninaanza kukumbuka mtoto wangu analala njaa na hiyo pesa ni kodi nimekatwa. That’s why lazima nijitokezee kwa barabara.”
Also Read: Govt Reports 355 Arrests as June 25 Protests End Peacefully Across Kenya
A Father of Two
Away from the protests, Mbugua is a husband and a father of two.
In 2024, he said the rise of youth-led protests had intimidated the security apparatus and that he had not been spared from harassment by police officers.
“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 na feel insecure kabisa. Hakuna makosa nilifanya.”
His latest arrest has once again put him at the centre of a national conversation on policing, the treatment of persons living with disabilities, and the right to peaceful protest.
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