Joshua Okayo: KSL President Who Was Abducted, Assaulted During Protests Cries For Help

• Joshua Okayo fell victim to rogue individuals after the historic anti-Finance Bill 2024 protests in the country
• He was abducted and tortured for two days, resulting in lasting injuries to his left arm that require ongoing medical care
• Okayo shared with TUKO.co.ke that the Kenya School of Law governing council and the IMLU assisted him in covering his previous hospital bills, which totalled nearly KSh 70,000

Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

At the height of the now-withdrawn Finance Bill 2024 protests on June 25, 2024, several youths who played key roles in the demonstrations were reportedly abducted and tortured.

Among them was Joshua Okayo, the president of students at the Kenya School of Law.

Abducted on June 26 and released two days later near the bank of River Maragua, Okayo, in an exclusive interview with TUKO.co.ke, revealed that he endured severe torture during the 48-hour ordeal, resulting in lasting injuries to his left arm.

"I’ve had multiple medical checkups. The results showed I have internal bruises, and I continue to experience pain in my left arm, especially on cold mornings. The abductors strangled me, struck me on the chest, back, legs, and arms. I feel stronger in the areas that were tortured, except for my arm, which worsens each day. Sometimes it goes numb, and I can’t feel anything. At times, it even turns whitish. It is very painful," he explained.

He disclosed that this experience forced him to take a two-month break from school to seek treatment.

Why is Joshua Okayo seeking help?

The law student mentioned that during his previous hospital visits, the KSL governing council and the Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU) supported him in his recovery.

"Initially, the governing council at the Kenya School of Law rallied support after my release. Friends and IMLU also intervened. In all the previous visits, I spent nearly KSh 70,000. Going forward, I do not know how much I will be expected to pay. The last time I went to the hospital they told me I would have to live on physiotherapy and painkillers because there was nothing they could do," he said, heartbroken.

Okayo now requires physiotherapy, pain management, and psychosocial therapy, but is facing financial difficulties.

"Now, I'm seeking further treatment, but the financial burden of my medical costs is overwhelming. I’m reaching out for support from my community, and any help would mean a lot to me. Here’s my M-Pesa number: 0748645008. I would also appreciate your prayers, and I welcome any medical professionals who can offer assistance," he pleaded.

Despite ongoing calls to end abductions and hold those responsible, accountable, there has been little action from the government. Okayo reported being able to identify two of his abductors, but there has been no follow-up.

Joshua Okayo recounts his abduction

Below is an emotional account of what Okayo went through at the hands of his abductors.

Sammy Ondimu warns against police brutality

In other news, a Nakuru-based police officer, Sammy Ondimu, urged the police to exercise restraint while in the line of duty.

Ondimu expressed disappointment at how some officers cross the mark and violently deal with innocent Kenyans in case of chaos or arrests.

He further warned them that their brutal actions may land them in prison or affect the well-being of their families.

Proofreading by Otukho Jackson, a multimedia journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke