After at least nine long months of agony and uncertainty, Brian Mwangi Wangari has finally undergone a life-changing surgery that could mark the beginning of his journey to recovery. Brian Mwangi Wangari had a successful surgery.The 30-year-old, who was paralysed after being shot during the chaotic Nane Nane protests in August 2024, has had a bullet successfully removed from his spine, bringing renewed optimism to his supporters, caregivers, and the wider Kenyan public. The update was shared by activist Hanifa Farsafi, who has been one of Mwangi’s most vocal champions since his shooting.
In an emotional post on X on Monday, May 26, she revealed that the bullet, lodged near his spine since the fateful day, was finally removed in a delicate operation at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). “Hello guys, visited Brian again! Great news!!! The bullet that’s been lodged in his spine for a whole year has been removed!!! Took a while but finally!! So happy!!”Hanifa shared with her followers. The news was met with an outpouring of joy online, especially among Kenya’s youth, who have been following his story since last year’s protests. What next for Mwangi after his surgery Now that the bullet has been removed, Mwangi’s condition can finally be stabilised. But the next step is just as critical. He needs to be transferred to a spinal rehabilitation facility to begin specialised care that could improve his mobility, or at the very least, his quality of life. Brian Mwangi has been hospitalised at KNH for the last nine months.
Hanifa revealed that KNH is prepared to discharge Mwangi, but he needs to activate the Social Health Authority (SHA) cover to get admitted into the spinal hospital. The activation requires just KSh 5,600, money that could unlock the door to his rehabilitation journey. The call for public support has been renewed. “He needs KSh5600 to activate SHA and for his other needs after leaving the hospital. He’s the last protest patient we have left and I would us to stand together with him to allow him to be able to walk again if possible. We’re remaining as hopeful as possible! Please support him,” she added. How did Mwangi get shot As reported earlier, Mwangi’s case had come to symbolise the tragic fallout of state-citizen confrontations during the 2024 anti-government protests. On August 8, thousands of Kenyans poured into the streets during what became known as the Nane Nane protests, a coordinated expression of anger against poor governance.
Mwangi, however, wasn’t part of the protests. He had been going about his day in Karatina, Nyeri county, where he worked fixing vehicle tyres. But when demonstrators ran past his location after being dispersed by police, he was caught in the chaos. As security forces fired live rounds indiscriminately, a bullet tore through his body, severing his spinal cord and changing his life forever.
By Didacus Malowa
