The attack has drawn condemnation from Rodriques Lunalo, a protocol officer for Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, who has vowed to seek justice for the victim.
Barasa, who is well-known in the area for collecting bottles to make a living, was reportedly accused of theft by officers from Parliament Police Station.
Witnesses say the officers severely beat him, leaving him unconscious and bleeding.
“This is the saddest day of my life,” Lunalo said, visibly shaken by the state he found Barasa in.
“He is disabled—his leg and arm are non-functional. How can someone in his condition steal from anyone?”
The attack coincided with the aftermath of World Disability Day, making it even more painful for advocates of disability rights.
Lunalo decried the inhumanity of the officers, stating, “This is not just an attack on Barasa; it is an attack on all vulnerable people in our society. We cannot tolerate such behavior from law enforcers.”
After discovering the assault, Lunalo intervened, calling for an ambulance and ensuring Barasa was taken to the hospital.
However, he noted a troubling twist in the events. The officers initially claimed they were taking Barasa to Kenyatta National Hospital but diverted to Mbagathi Hospital instead.
Upon arrival, they allegedly abandoned Barasa without paying for his treatment, falsely informing the hospital staff that they found him convulsing on the street.
Lunalo’s intervention went beyond just securing medical attention.
He stayed by Barasa’s side, provided him with fresh clothes, and ensured he was treated with dignity. “Right now, he’s fighting for his life, and I will not rest until justice is served,” Lunalo said.
This case has brought renewed attention to police misconduct in Kenya, particularly against marginalized groups.
Lunalo has vowed to file a formal police report against the officers involved and called on their superiors to hold them accountable.
As Lunalo stated, “Exercising authority should never mean abusing power. Our society must do better.”
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