Stephen Waroi served Garissa County as a sound technician from 2015. His life changed forever during Governor Nathif Jama’s campaign rally on August 4, 2017.
“The bodyguard got curious when stones were thrown at our campaign convoy,” Waroi recalls. “He pointed his AK-47 directly at me instead of shooting in the air.”
Two bullets struck Waroi’s right hip while collecting microphones after the governor’s speech. The shooting happened at Sururi village during the final campaign day.
The injured technician lay unattended at Kenyatta National Hospital casualty for three days. Doctors were on strike across Kenya during this critical period.
“My ambulance broke down at Bali, 150 kilometers from Garissa,” Waroi remembers. The transfer journey to Nairobi lasted extra hours without oxygen supply.
Medical complications developed from delayed treatment at the hospital. Waroi endured skeletal traction for six months instead of the standard six weeks.
The extended traction period damaged his leg nerves permanently. His hip bones suffered severe crushing from the two bullet wounds.
Seven operations later, Waroi cannot walk without crutches today. He uses special orthopedic mattresses for sleeping comfort.
The former technician has spent over 8 million Kenya Shillings on treatment. His family sold 1.5 acres of land to fund his medical expenses.
“The bodyguard who shot me now heads the governor’s security team,” Waroi reveals. His attempts to meet Governor Jama for help face constant blockades.
Waroi’s wife quit her job to provide full-time care for him. Their two children struggle with basic needs as medical bills consume family resources.
The county government wrote a compensation letter on March 16, 2023. No action followed despite Waroi’s personal delivery to relevant offices.
“My father developed diabetes from trauma after my shooting,” Waroi shares. His siblings missed university education as funds diverted to his treatment.
The disabled technician now seeks public support for business startup capital. He maintains expertise in electronics and sound system repairs despite his condition.
The father of two welcomes assistance through phone number 0742032255. His technical skills remain sharp though physical mobility limits his work options.
By Kenyans