Photo: Courtesy
James Mbugua, a man living with a disability in Nakuru County, has provided insight into his participation in the anti-government protests on July 1, following a viral photo that captured him in a confrontational moment with riot police.
In an interview with Citizen TV, the 32-year-old explained how his disability has made him feel disadvantaged compared to his peers. He expressed frustration over being targeted with tear gas simply for raising his voice, emphasizing that he poses no harm.
“I’m just harmless. But someone decides to throw tear gas at me as if I’m nothing, just because I want to raise my voice,” he questioned.
Mbugua, a father of two, spoke passionately about his daily struggles to survive on a meager income, sometimes as little as 500 Kenyan shillings a day. He contrasted his own financial challenges with the ostentatious displays of wealth by politicians.
“When I think about my child going to sleep hungry, it hurts,” he shared.
He also expressed a deep sense of insecurity due to his participation in the protests, where he was among the young demonstrators holding a whistle and a flag. The flag was forcefully taken by the police, prompting him to question, “What have I done?”
His wife has been praying for his safety as he exercises his democratic right to protest, reflecting the tensions and risks faced by ordinary citizens expressing their grievances against the government.
James Mbugua’s story underscores the personal struggles and motivations behind his activism, highlighting the challenges faced by individuals living with disabilities in Kenya who seek to voice their concerns and advocate for change.
