In a dramatic turn of events following violent protests in Nairobi, Philip Oketch, a Kenyatta University student leader, has issued a bold statement condemning President William Ruto and the Kenyan police force. Speaking from Kenyatta National Hospital, where he is recovering after being shot in the neck, Oketch made it clear that neither state violence nor intimidation will silence the youth.
Defiance from the Hospital Bed
Draped in a green hospital gown and surrounded by hundreds of fellow students, Oketch, also known by his nickname “Yudhe,” delivered a fiery speech aimed directly at the president.
“Let me send a clear warning to the so-called Commander in Chief, President William Ruto,” he began. “We, the young people of this nation, are tired. Kenya does not belong to a select few—it belongs to our ancestors, future generations, and us, the youth.”
His words drew cheers from the crowd, a testament to the growing discontent among Kenya’s younger population.
A Call for Accountability
Oketch criticized the police, describing them as “robots in uniform” who have betrayed their duty to protect citizens.
“We demand that President Ruto rein in his police officers, who have become a ‘burning problem’ for unarmed and peaceful Kenyans. The police are meant to serve, not terrorize,” he declared.
In a rallying cry to his peers, Oketch vowed that the youth would not back down:
“No amount of threats will intimidate us. The streets belong to the people, and we will stay there until justice is served.”
A Leader Targeted During Peaceful Protests
The incident occurred on Tuesday, June 17, during a peaceful demonstration in Nairobi’s Central Business District. The protests condemned the alleged extrajudicial killing of educator Albert Ojwang. Oketch, who serves as Chief of Staff for the Homa-Bay Universities Students’ Association (HUSA) and Chairperson of the Homa Bay Youths Forum, was shot in the neck, sparking outrage nationwide.
HUSA President Ogolla Ray denounced the shooting in a strongly worded statement, calling it a “barbaric act” by law enforcement.
“We urge comrades across the nation to unite in support of our brother. This is a critical moment for solidarity,” read the statement.
Nationwide Solidarity Among Students
HUSA has mobilized students to gather at Kenyatta National Hospital to show support for Oketch and deliberate on a strategic response. The association has also called on the national student movement to demand accountability for what it describes as “unprovoked brutality.”
“The time for action is now,” the statement emphasized, echoing their rallying cry: “An injury to one comrade is an injury to all.”
Philip Oketch’s Message to the Nation
Despite his injuries, Oketch remains resolute, urging young people to stay steadfast in their pursuit of justice and reform.
“This country belongs to us all. We will not be silenced by bullets or fear. Together, we will reclaim our nation,” he concluded.
