In the list, he points five people, all his friends who were killed by police officers but he was lucky, “The bullet didn’t go through my stomach.”
The names are under “Our Fallen Soldiers” banner.
As a permanent reminder, he has a scar and deep hatred for ‘ma sanse’ (police officers).
“All those killed by police are our heroes. We want to keep their memories fresh in our minds,” an edgy John explains.
His tone keeps on rising every time he mentions the word ‘ma sanse.’
From there we head to Dennis’s single room, a few metres from the stadium where we find him with five of his friends.
He is paralyzed and has a skin condition which has led to huge growth on his neck.
Dennis paints a picture of pain, desperation and anger as he lies on his 4’6 bed.
“I was not paralyzed until 2007. We were arrested by police officers who accused us of illegally participating in a demonstration,” a teary Dennis recounts.
“I was taken to Muthaiga Police Station and later Pangani where I underwent the worst experience of my life. I was tortured. The officer used something metallic to hit my hands and leg joints.”
At this point, he pauses and uses his hands to wipe his now welling eyes.
The ailing 32 years old lives with his mother and hopes that someday, he will get money to seek medical attention.
“I reported the case to Independent Medico Legal Unit…I hope I will get justice. But I first want money to go to hospital,” he says.
Just like in the latter case, he too has deep hatred for ‘ma sanse’.
Slum dwellers as painted in a new report by human rights NGO Independent Medico Legal Unit and ascertained by Capital FM News live in fear of both police and organised criminal gangs.
According to the report, 44pc of slum dwellers are victims of violence from organised criminal gangs while 26pc from police, 17pc encountered violence from their neighbours.
Eighty three percent of the victims, as detailed in the report are aged between 18-45 years.
“Most of these victims have physical injuries… bruises caused by hard objects and sharp pointed weapons,” the report points out.
The report indicates that 55pc of slum dwellers do not trust their neighbours.
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