Nakuru Man Caught on Camera Chasing Police With Machete Seriously Injured, Hospitalised

• A Nakuru protester who went viral for confronting police with a machete has been found in critical condition and hospitalised
• The man reportedly disappeared after the incident, sparking outrage and concern from the public and human rights groups
• He was later discovered dumped in Thika with visible injuries and is now receiving treatment

A man who was captured on video boldly confronting anti-riot police officers in Nakuru while wielding a machete (panga) during recent protests has been found in critical condition.

The individual was reportedly abducted by unknown individuals alleged to be state security operatives.

How Nakuru protestor went viral

It all began when the man's actions captured the nation’s attention as unrest entered its second day following a police shooting that left one man dead.

In the footage, the unidentified man was seen wielding a machete and confronting officers amid thick clouds of tear gas and bullets.

His bold move prompted a retreat by the police, who appeared overwhelmed by the intensity of the resistance.

Onlookers cheered as he advanced, symbolising the rising anger and defiance in the local community.

How Nakuru protestor ended up in hospital

According to eyewitnesses and local reports, the man was picked up by unidentified individuals shortly after the footage of his confrontation with police went viral.

His disappearance sparked public concern, with human rights organisations and community members demanding answers.

The situation intensified when a politician highlighted the case, calling for immediate accountability and transparency regarding the man’s whereabouts.

Following growing public pressure, the man was reportedly found dumped in Thika. He was discovered barely conscious, bearing visible injuries consistent with physical assault.

He was rushed to the nearby hospital, where he is receiving medical treatment. His condition remains critical, according to hospital sources.

Social media reactions

Kenyans took to social media to share their sentiments on the turn of events, with many sharing the opinion that the man went overboard by wielding a machete at a police officer.

Others reiterated that during protests, people tend to act with a mob mentality but often face the consequences alone.

Daglas Okoth:

"Only a fool tests the depth of the water with both feet. I mean a foolish person takes big risks without thinking."

Adhis Jaccy

"Unafurahisha mbogi you die alone, ata wewe unataka mchango sasa."

Isaac Kiprotich Tambuiyan

"Unafurahisha mbogi but unaumia pekee yako."

Wakii Juli said:

"They called you a 'hero' and now you are lying down alone carrying your own cross."

How Nakuru man was apprehended by the police

It also emerged that the viral Nakuru man has been arrested, according to the Standard.

The suspect, identified as Hassan Mtimkavu and also known by the alias Paul Ositi, was also named as a Ugandan national, and not Kenyan.

Nakuru Town West Sub-County Police Commander Stephen Kirui confirmed that Mtimkavu was apprehended on Tuesday after officers traced him to a hideout.

The Nakuru police claimed that shortly after his arrest, Mtimkavu allegedly pretended to be unwell, prompting the police to take him to Nakuru County Teaching and Referral Hospital for treatment.

He is now under tight security while undergoing treatment at the facility.

"He pretended to be sick after his arrest and is now admitted at a Level Four hospital under guard," Kirui said.

The suspect is expected to face several charges, including unlawful presence in Kenya, incitement, burglary, robbery, and theft.

Earlier, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen had also called out the man for confronting the police, insisting that police authority must be respected by all citizens.

Why Nakuru residents protested

The protests had erupted following the alleged fatal police shooting of 47-year-old Daniel Nderitu in the London area of Nakuru county.

A resident revealed that four police officers in a double-cabin vehicle came to Daniel’s home, accusing him of possessing unauthorised drugs.

They reportedly fired three bullets in the air before fatally shooting him, an incident that annoyed Nakuru residents who maintain that Daniel was innocent.

Daniel’s sister, Zipporah Njeri, told the media that the deceased man's wife died four years ago, and now he’s left behind four children.

An autopsy on Daniel’s body is scheduled to determine the cause of death, even as his family continues to demand justice and undertakes preparations for his burial.

Racheal Nyaguthie, HoD Human Interest, added details of how police arrested Nakuru man.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke