Health DG Amoth Gives Update on Status of City Hawker Shot by Police
A man shot by anti-riot police at the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) yesterday evening has undergone surgery at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).
Addressing the press on Tuesday evening outside the hospital premises, the Health Director-General, Patrick Amoth, said that the man, believed to be a hawker, was admitted to the hospital in serious condition.
Amoth went on to reveal that the patient was brought in at around 4:00 p.m. and received by an emergency department team, who administered first aid to the man.
According to the Health DG, the man was later subjected to various medical tests and also assessed by neurosurgeons, who indicated that the patient required a neurosurgical procedure.
"Evaluation by the neurosurgeons indicated that he required to undergo an emergency neurosurgical procedure, and as we speak, the patient is in theatre with a neurosurgical team," Amoth confirmed at the time.
"As a precaution, we have prepared an ICU bed because a case of such nature requires ICU support immediately in the post-surgery period," he added.
On the extent of the injuries, Amoth noted that he could not disclose such information since he arrived at the hospital after the patient had already been taken to the theatre.
He stated that further information regarding the hawker's present condition would be issued once the neurosurgical team completes the surgical procedure.
Meanwhile, the man was shot by the police during demonstrations held by protesters who called for the resignation and arrest of Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat.
A brief video shared on social media platforms showed two armed officers cornering the victim, who was allegedly hawking masks along Moi Avenue.
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The police officers began hitting him before one of the officers, who had already cocked his gun, aimed and shot him at close range. Moments later, a group of civilians were seen carrying the man, who was bleeding profusely.
The disturbing video immediately sparked reactions from Kenyans from all walks of life, including the political class and civil society groups, who called for the arrest of the officer.
Hours later, the National Police Service (NPS), through its Spokesperson, Muchiri Nyaga, revealed that investigations into the incident had already commenced and that the rogue officer had been arrested.
