Philip Oketch, a student at Kenyatta University, delivered a powerful message to President William Ruto after being shot in the neck during protests in Nairobi. Despite being critically injured and recovering outside Kenyatta National Hospital, Oketch stood defiantly before fellow students, demanding accountability from the country’s top leadership.
Wearing his green hospital gown and supported by hundreds of comrades, Oketch condemned what he described as state-sponsored brutality. He did not mince words as he addressed the president directly.
“Allow me to begin by sending a warning to the so-called Commander in Chief, the president of the Republic of Kenya, William Ruto,” Oketch said. “We, the youth, are tired. This country doesn’t belong to a few, it belongs to us, to the future generations and our forefathers.”
Oketch criticized the police, whom he referred to as “robots in uniform,” for acting violently against unarmed citizens. He called on the president to take control of law enforcement and restore trust between the police and the people. “These officers vowed to protect us but have become a threat to innocent Kenyans,” he added. His message was clear: no level of intimidation will silence the youth, who he said will remain on the streets demanding justice and change.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, June 17, during protests in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD). The demonstrations were in response to the alleged extrajudicial killing of educator and blogger Albert Ojwang. Oketch, known among peers as Yudhe, serves as Chief of Staff for the Homa Bay University Students’ Association (HUSA) and is also Chairperson of the Homa Bay Youths Forum.
The shooting sparked widespread outrage. HUSA issued a strong statement condemning the police action, calling it a “barbaric act” that targeted peaceful demonstrators. “We strongly condemn this attack and urge all comrades across the country to stand with Philip,” read a statement from HUSA President Ogolla Ray.
In response, HUSA mobilized students to gather at Kenyatta National Hospital to support Oketch and discuss the next steps. They urged the national student movement to hold authorities accountable and to remain united. “An injury to one comrade is an injury to all,” the statement declared.
By Lucky Anyanje
