A pale breezed dismissed my cheeks.
It was a cold morning however the day was type of warming up.
The night time had been a tricky one.
I solely managed to scramble some three slices of bread with some water to nonetheless my abdomen.
I used to be very hungry this morning.
So I made a decision to move by ‘mathee wa mandazi’ and requested her to get some tea and a few pastries which I might pay for within the night.
She was a bit hesitant although.
This wasn’t a ‘regular’ day.
The bus stage solely had a handful of individuals in comparison with the numbers that lay anticipate transport on a standard day.
The streets have been dotted with just a few vehicles and most companies have been shut.
However I anticipated the day to end up as is.
I spotted that my tea was getting chilly as I noticed my environment.
I held a packet of face masks I had simply picked from a provider, after making a cost for deposit.
In my considering, masks could be helpful for many individuals who dared enterprise into the Nairobi metropolis centre.
Immediately would see an enormous demonstration in opposition to police brutality.
I desired to take part in it however I suppose I didn’t have the luxurious of selection.
As a substitute, I selected to promote masks to pedestrians.
I had been a hawker for essentially the most a part of the yr.
Although I’m educated, jobs are onerous to return by.
Apart from, the present financial situations are fairly hostile to companies, so I resorted to getting merchandise from individuals who belief me to promote for a revenue.
At the least this might assist me pay for the tea I had simply drunk.
In order I arose from my seat, I heard loud bangs and gunshots approaching.
I wanted to brace myself for mayhem as a result of I had no selection.
Working class folks could be caught up within the chaos.
Some would wish to cowl their faces in order to not be seen on television.
Others would want a method to neutralise the teargas throughout us.
So I began on my mission to seek out prospects.
Inside no time, a younger man who gave the impression to be operating an errand approached me gesturing at his mouth and nostril.
His eyes have been teary, he was coughing constantly.
I eliminated one of many masks and handed him.
He didn’t even negotiate.
He eliminated a fifty shilling be aware, positioned it in my proper hand and took off as one other teargas cannister exploded about 10 toes away from us.
Inside no time, I couldn’t even see my sneakers due to the cloudiness.
However I soldiered on. You see, my efforts had borne fruit.
I saved on checking round to see the very best spot to place myself.
Individuals love comfort.
So if I stood close to an workplace or enterprise block, I used to be certain to win some prospects.
The air was choking however I simply needed to do it.
So I briskly walked and stood exterior a enterprise advanced ready for my subsequent doable buyer.
I gazed to my left then turned to concentrate on the proper.
I might see a crowd operating however they have been transferring away from me.
I spotted that there was motion occurring to my left so I turned.
And as quickly as I did, I used to be silenced with a number of slaps.
Two law enforcement officials clad in fatigue had cornered me and have been hitting me onerous.
I attempted defending myself as I defined that I’m a masks vendor.
I observed the weapons they have been holding and gestured to them…
“Don’t shoot me officer. I’m Boniface…’
At this level, they turned as in the event that they have been strolling away.
However one among them lifted his gun and pulled the set off…
I noticed black…
And that’s when my life got here to a standstill.
That’s when every part ended…
Properly wishers rushed to the scene.
They carried me to an ambulance, and Iwas rushed to the hospital.
Docs tried their finest however as at now, my destiny is sealed.
However one query lingers in my thoughts…
What did I do to need to be shot, officer Klinzy Barasa?
What improper did I commit, officer Duncan Kiprono?
All I did was what I get up to do daily…
Promote wares on the streets to make ends meet.
That was my crime.
I didn’t have a stone…
I didn’t have a gun…
I didn’t include offensive language…
I didn’t threaten anybody…
All I did was to hold masks.
Masks that have been to be offered to individuals in want of them.
A Kenyan who’s doing what he must do however handled with cruelty.
My days on earth are performed.
I want the 2 officers effectively.
However all I ask them is to inform my mom and father what crime I dedicated to need to be shot at.
My phrases are ended.
Peace to my nation Kenya.
In the future, we will be actually free.
Freed from ache…
Freed from struggles…
Freed from corrupt leaders…
Freedom shall come and we will rejoice.
Peace.
This can be a fictional enactment of occasions resulting in the taking pictures of Mr Boniface Kariuki – an unarmed masks vendor in Nairobi by police officer.
