Nairobi, June 18, 2025 — A male trader who was allegedly shot by police during Tuesday’s anti-government protests in Nairobi’s Central Business District is fighting for his life after undergoing a delicate brain surgery at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).
The patient was referred to KNH at 3:16 PM on June 17 in critical condition. He had sustained a gunshot wound to the left side of the head, leading to severe brain injury and heavy bleeding.
“Our emergency team acted swiftly to stabilise the patient and place him on life support,” said Dr. Janet Sugut, the emergency physician who received him. “A CT scan confirmed that the bullet had penetrated his skull, necessitating urgent neurosurgery.”
He was rushed to the operating theatre at 8:50 PM, where a complex two-hour procedure was carried out by a multidisciplinary team led by Consultant Neurosurgeon Dr. Sam Njiru.
“It was a high-risk operation due to the depth and location of the injury,” Dr. Njiru said. “We successfully removed the bullet, but the patient remains in critical condition in the ICU on mechanical ventilation. He’s being closely monitored around the clock.”
According to Dr. William Sigilai, Acting CEO of Kenyatta National Hospital, the trader is among 16 casualties treated at the facility following the Nairobi demonstrations. “The injuries ranged from gunshot wounds to blunt trauma,” he said. “Seven patients were admitted for further treatment, nine were treated and discharged, two have already undergone surgery, and four more are scheduled for procedures today.”
One of the admitted patients remains unidentified, having suffered a skull fracture believed to be the result of an assault during the unrest.
Dr. Sigilai praised the fast response by emergency teams and bystanders who ensured swift referrals to the hospital. “We’re grateful to all those who helped transport the injured to KNH promptly,” he said. “Despite the pressure, our staff continue to uphold the highest standards of emergency and trauma care.”
KNH affirmed its commitment to patient dignity and promised to release further updates when appropriate
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