Police injured and killed several people after firing live and rubber bullets at protesters who stormed the Parliament on June 25. Among those injured was Frank Okoth, a Gen Z who narrowly escaped death with six gunshot wounds.
Videos and images of Frank Okoth, soaked in blood and riddled with bullet wounds, circulated widely on social media on that fateful Tuesday.
Other clips showing his seemingly lifeless body being carried into an ambulance, went viral sparking speculations about his health.
Many who witnessed the incident doubted that Okoth had survived the ordeal with some even declaring him dead.
Consequently, his name featured in the list of Gen Z protesters who were killed during the demonstrations.
Okoth sustained bullet wounds to the chest and abdomen and was discharged from Kenyatta National Hospital on June 29 after a series of surgeries to save his life.
While narrating his experience, the Gen Z stated that it was his friend Edwin Ndeda, who informed him about the news making round that he was dead when he regained consciousness.
“My friend came and told me that Kenyans had already killed me. I told him I am okay and not dead,” Frank said.
Frank noted that he is still in pain even after leaving the Hospital, but stressed that he’s grateful to be alive, unlike many other protesters who lost their lives.
Okoth, an orphan, lives with his grandmother and uncle at Land Mawe slums in Nairobi.
Also Read: Why Alfred Keter Was Arrested – DCI
How Frank Okoth Ended Up with 6 Gunshot Wounds
He narrated that he joined Tuesday’s protest out of frustration over long-term unemployment.
That day, after unsuccessfully searching for work in the nearby Industrial Area, Frank says he returned home hungry and heartbroken. In his frustration, he decided to join his friends who were heading to town to protest the anti-finance bill.
“I had not gone to protest but to look for a job, but I missed it,” he said.
When he arrived at the Parliament buildings, chaos erupted. Shortly after, he found himself in the middle of the battle between the gun-firing police and the chanting protesters.
“We were many yes, but I was at the forefront. Then we started telling people (Police) that we came in peace. Police threw teargas at us, so my focus was at the police officers who were ahead of us, those who shot me were officers who were on the side,” Okoth said.
“Bullets began raining down on the protesters, both live and rubber. Within seconds, I was bleeding and in pain,” Frank recounted.
Okoth woke up days later at Kenyatta National Hospital, having undergone multiple surgeries to save his life.
Also Read: Ruto Praises MPs Who Voted Yes, Plans Ksh1 trillion Loan After Finance Bill Rejection
Life After Shooting Incident
He was discharged from hospital four days after admission. Now bedridden and in pain, Frans says he struggles to afford his subsequent hospital visits and check-up.
“Since I was discharged from the hospital no one bothers to take care of me. Life here is just sleeping, just the way I am, I can’t even turn,” he stated.
His grandmother said the hospital bill was Ksh 45,000, which they could not afford. She opted to seek help from friends and well-wishers.
“I have a book that I am using to seek contributions to clear the bill,” she said.
Despite everything, Okoth expressed no regret, insisting that the protesters were advocating for their welfare and should not stop until their voices were heard.
His friend complained that the millions of funds raised online to help those affected haven’t reached many of the protest victims, including Frank.
“I heard that there is money being contributed to cater for the protest victims. I tried texting Hanifa, sent her the details and pictures, but she did not respond,” his friend said.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel for real-time news updates!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaB3k54HltYFiQ1f2i2C
