Months after the anti-government protests in Kenya, Gladys Kerubo, a single mother of seven from Kisii, faces severe challenges following a tragic incident that left her disabled.
During a police dispersal of protesters, a stray bullet struck Kerubo while she was inside her home. The bullet pierced her left arm, traveled through her chest, and exited her right arm. This injury has drastically affected her ability to care for her children.
Kerubo vividly recalls the moments leading up to her injury. As tensions escalated outside, she and others sought refuge on the third floor of their building. She explained,
They started throwing teargas, and we saw that the situation was getting intense, so we went back to the house
Gladys Kerubo
Unfortunately, police began firing shots, and one bullet entered their home.
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While we were inside, they started shooting, and a bullet came into the house. It hit my left arm, went through my chest, and was removed from my right arm,
Gladys Kerubo
How The Injury Has Affected Her
Since the incident, Kerubo has struggled with basic tasks like cooking and washing clothes.
Right now, I am in pain, and I can’t do any work; cooking is hard, and washing clothes is difficult. I continue to suffer with my children, and getting food for the house is a struggle. The children just cry, and I won’t be able to go and do any casual jobs to help them
Gladys Kerubo
Her situation worsened when her husband abandoned her after the shooting. Now, she relies on the kindness of well-wishers for survival.
Call for Compensation
Kerubo has teamed up with local elder Richard Oyaro to appeal to the government for compensation. They feel that authorities have largely forgotten victims of the protests. Oyaro stated that
The people who were injured during the protests seem to have been forgotten; there hasn’t even been a bit of assistance provided
Richard Oyaro
Community Support
Despite these hardships, Kerubo remains hopeful for government support to help provide for her children. The community’s response has been crucial; however, more systemic support is essential for victims like her who grapple with the aftermath of violence.
