In a shocking and distressing incident that unfolded in Mombasa City’s Central Business District, an unidentified man resorted to a drastic act of self-immolation as a means of protest against Kenya’s soaring cost of living.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday, has drawn attention to the serious grievances held by many due to the challenging economic circumstances.
As recounted by witnesses, an onlooker captured a video that depicted the man standing atop a concrete block, dressed in black attire. In a tragic sequence of events, the man doused himself with a flammable substance before igniting the fire.
Bystanders and passersby were left stunned and horrified by the sight, with audible gasps and exclamations of shock filling the air.
The heart-wrenching video showcases the man’s desperate act of self-immolation, with onlookers attempting to intervene, pleading with him to reconsider his choice.
As the man set himself on fire, the crowd watched in disbelief, and some recorded the incident on their devices.
Emergency services were summoned promptly, and the man was rushed to the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital for medical attention. Despite sustaining severe burn injuries, he was alive and under medical care, confirmed Ibrahim Basafir, Mombasa County Chief Fire Officer.
While rumors initially circulated that the man’s actions were linked to the alleged theft, it was later revealed that he had been incensed by the high cost of living in the country.
The man reportedly conveyed his dissatisfaction with the economic situation and also expressed frustration over the outcome of the 2022 presidential election.
In the recorded video, the man explained that he was protesting against the exorbitant living expenses and the perceived irregularities in the 2022 presidential election, during which Raila Odinga contested against President William Ruto. Despite Odinga’s claims of electoral anomalies, the court upheld Ruto’s victory.
Kenya’s increasing cost of living has sparked public outcry, with many citizens expressing their inability to afford basic necessities.
Factors such as rising fuel prices, persistent drought conditions, and currency depreciation have been cited as contributors to the challenging economic climate.
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