- On June 25, though he did not take part in the riot that saw protestors storm Parliament, chaos erupted at his work place
- Some goons swung into action and raided businesses, setting some establishments ablaze
Bernard Nduati, 51, was no prophet, but he foresaw that a deadly riot was in the offing and every life in the CBD — including his —will be on the line.
The father of three ran a second-hand shoes stall in town near Sunbeam shopping complex.
“From the look of things, a massive discontent is boiling and when its bursts, it will sweep many of us,” he told security guards manning the building.
“The anger among business people and the youth will finish us soon,” he told another guard in late May.
On June 25, though he did not take part in the riot that saw protestors storm Parliament, chaos erupted at his work place.
Some goons swung into action and raided businesses, setting some establishments ablaze.
Sunbeam Shopping Complex along Mfang'ano street was among the establishments destroyed by fire during the anti-tax demos.
The goons set the building on fire and Nduati was among the people who sought refuge on the upper floor of the building. But fire followed them upstairs.
His wife Lucy Nyambura said Nduati fratically dashed to save his life.
She told the Star that her husband broke his legs when he jumped off the building's second floor.
“My husband kept on updating me over the phone how they were running away from fire and goons. He told me how the fire got closer to him and his decision to jump off,” Nyambura said.
Well-wishers rescued him and rushed him to St Francis Hospital.
At the hospital, he was wheeled to the ICU since had lost a lot of blood and was in a critical state.
By 5am the following day, the dreaded call came in, summoning her to the hospital.
Her husband had died, drawing the curtain to the life of a man described by his wife as hardworking and loving father who did all he could to support his family.
Nyambura said while the family is still stuck with a huge hospital bill, organisers of the protests have contributed some funds.
“They sent me some money, but I still need help. I have three children, two in secondary school and my husband was the bread winner,” she said.
Sunbeam building, a thriving hub for commerce, now stands as a reminder of the demos that gripped the city.
Videos seen by the Star show protesters destroying the building, before they are dispersed by police officers.
Black walls and twisted metal have replaced the once vibrant business stalls.
Naivas supermarket along Ronald Ngala was vandalised and looted.
Goons made away with household items, furniture and electronics.