The words spoken by a 28-year-old engineer who self-immolated in Mombasa on Thursday afternoon are deeply unsettling. In a video that quickly spread across social media, the engineer, Robert Gituhu, expressed, “If the cost of maize flour isn’t lowered, I’d rather die. Raila’s victory was stolen.”
Gituhu passed away a few hours later after being admitted to Mombasa’s Coast General Referral Hospital (CGRH), as confirmed by Iqbal Khandwalla, the Chief Hospital Administrator. Dr. Khandwalla noted that Gituhu suffered severe burns and ultimately succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
“His burns were extensive, covering over 80 percent of his body, and sadly, he didn’t recover. He lost his life due to the injuries. I can’t disclose more due to patient-doctor confidentiality,” explained the doctor.
Recent investigations by The Saturday Standard revealed that Gituhu completed his mechanical engineering degree at Eldoret University in 2021.
Silas Andika, an eyewitness to the tragic event, recounted that Gituhu arrived at the location with the Kenyan flag in hand and began shouting.
“He proclaimed Raila’s victory in the election. He mentioned that if the cost of maize flour wasn’t lowered, he would prefer to end his life,” Andika stated, noting that Gituhu had brought petrol stored in a water bottle.
Andika recalled that initially, the onlookers believed Gituhu was making a jest and even encouraged him to ignite the match. “He made two attempts, but the matchstick failed to ignite both times,” Andika shared.
A video shared on social media depicts Gituhu standing atop a statue at Mwembe Tayari roundabout, clutching the flag in his left hand.
“I have not stolen from anyone. I’m not a thief. I’m protesting because Raila’s victory was stolen,” Gituhu shouted before dousing himself with petrol and trying to light a match, but the lighter fell. A man dressed in a white T-shirt collected the lighter and handed it back to him. He lit it again and set himself on fire.
The 43-second video captures Gituhu struggling to maintain his balance on the statue as the flames engulfed him. He eventually fell from the statue, and his body was consumed by a large blaze.
Witnesses recounted their futile efforts to dissuade him from setting himself on fire.
Hospital sources suggested that Gituhu might have been grappling with depression. Some indicated that he had been reported missing before his appearance on Thursday when he set himself ablaze.
by: JobW