Life for 36-year-old Collins Kiprono, a resident of Telanet village has never been the same since December 26, 2007.
That day, he was hit in the back by stray bullets in Kericho town as police were dispersing demonstrators in the wake of the 2007/2008 post-election violence.
Kiprono who has been living with two bullets lodged in his chest for the last 12 years, is now appealing for medical and financial assistance to aid his deteriorating health.
The father of two daughters who earns a living roasting maize at Kapsoit market testifies that his health is worsening and he fears he has only a few years to live.
In an interview at his home, Kiprono with tears flowing wonders how he will support his family now that for the last two years he has been coughing blood and experiences laboured breathing.
With the bullets lodged in his chest, he asserts that his condition will not permit him to live longer to see his young family enjoy a better life and points out a spot at his shamba where he will be laid to rest.
“I don’t care anymore..anytime I can die,” a teary Kiprono said.
He adds that he seeks solace in his favourite song ‘MunguniMunguTu’ by Christopher Mwahangila.
Kiprono narrates how on that day he had just paid a visit to his grandmother’s home at Kipchimchim village on the outskirts of Kericho town.
He decided to walk to Kericho town heading back to his home.
On reaching Kericho town, he met a crowd of people and was unsure what was going on, though curious but the sight of police officers brought him to the reality that all was not well and immediately he started running with no clear direction of where he was going.
He adds that he suddenly started sweating profusely with sudden body weakness likening the incident to that of having a heavy stone landing on him.
He was not sure whether he was alive or dead but the sight of blood on his torn shirt made him cry out for help while lying on the pavement near the Kericho County Referral Hospital mortuary gate.