Eight years ago this week, Kamukunji Member of Parliament Yusuf Hassan almost died in a grenade attack in Eastleigh, Nairobi.
But after a long process of healing psychological and physical scars, he has now resuscitated his wounded soul and spirit.”
“8-yrs ago, a horrific bomb attack left me crippled & plunged me into a protracted period of darkness & despair,” Yusuf writes on Twitter. “By the grace of God, I found the strength to persevere & endure the pain and suffering and mend my shattered body and resuscitate my wounded soul and spirit.”
Three Died Instantly
Yusuf was at the al-Hidaya community centre in Eastleigh on December 6, 2012 when the attack took place. Three people who were near him died instantly.
Yusuf was bleeding profusely as he was rushed to Aga Khan hospital. Shrapnel had pierced through his body and his left leg muscles were lacerated. The right was broken. One of his arms too. He had secondary burns on parts of his body.
Long Healing Process
Yusuf was later transferred to a hospital in South Africa for reconstructive surgery. Later, he went to the US for specialised treatment on his right leg.
Back in Kenya, Yusuf could only commute with the help of a wheelchair. It was his new normal until 2019 when he started walking on his own again.
“I’ve learnt the healing power of forgiveness. I am thankful for the chance to arise, to serve, and to make a difference,” he says.
At the time of this attack, Eastleigh had become an epicentre of domestic terrorism. Home-made bombs and grenade attacks went off in public places with reckless abandon. Anti-terror police unit moved in and restored sanity.
