The family of Jeremiah Mwaura, a Nakuru man who suffered a serious spinal injury during demonstrations over rising fuel prices, is demanding justice following his death after months of medical complications.
Mwaura, a carpenter and father of three from Kiratina Estate in Nakuru East, died on Tuesday last week, several months after he was injured during protests on May 18, 2026. His condition had deteriorated significantly in recent months after he underwent major spinal surgery and was confined to his home.
The family had been preparing to move him to a private hospital for specialised treatment when he died. His wife recalled speaking to him on the day of the protests as the situation outside became increasingly tense. According to the family, Mwaura was later injured amid the chaos, with his friends informing his wife about what had happened.
He was first taken to Nakuru Teaching and Referral Hospital for treatment before being transferred to Tenwek Hospital in Bomet County, where doctors performed a major operation on his spine. The injury left Mwaura largely bedridden, and he spent months undergoing treatment and dealing with complications associated with the injury.
His family says the cost of his medical care eventually rose to more than KSh600,000, placing a significant financial burden on them as they struggled to keep up with hospital expenses. Despite the treatment and surgery, Mwaura’s condition continued to worsen. The family subsequently began making arrangements to have him transferred to a private facility for further specialised care. However, those plans were cut short by his death.
Mwaura’s relatives now want authorities to address what happened to him during the protests and establish responsibility for the injuries he sustained. The family says he had sought compensation from the government over the injuries but died without receiving any payment. His death has also renewed concerns over the plight of people who suffer serious injuries during public demonstrations and the assistance available to their families after such incidents.
As preparations for his burial continue, his family is calling for accountability and justice, saying Mwaura’s death should not mark the end of efforts to establish what happened to him and address the consequences suffered by his family.
