Deaths get reported throughout demonstrations in Kenya
(MENAFN) Nationwide protests in Kenya against police violence and alleged government corruption have resulted in the deaths of at least eight people, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR). Over 400 individuals, including journalists and police officers, were injured during the demonstrations, which spanned 23 counties on Wednesday.
The KNCHR reported that while most of the injured received minor treatment and were discharged, 83 required specialized care, including eight with gunshot wounds. Amnesty International Kenya's executive director, Irungu Houghton, told Reuters that at least 16 deaths had been confirmed, with most attributed to police actions.
The protests marked the anniversary of last year’s youth-led uprising against a controversial finance bill aimed at raising $2.7 billion in tax revenue. Human rights groups claim that at least 60 people were killed by security forces during those demonstrations.
Thousands of young people joined Wednesday’s rallies, especially in Nairobi, where they carried national flags and placards honoring victims from the previous year, while chanting slogans like “Ruto must go,” targeting President William Ruto.
Dramatic footage from the protests showed demonstrators trapped in alleys pleading with CNN’s Larry Madowo not to leave, fearing they would be killed if left behind. Riot police were seen firing teargas near the group, causing many to struggle to breathe.
Protesters decried the use of force despite their peaceful intentions. One demonstrator, kneeling with his phone in hand, said they had been cornered and feared for their lives.
Elsewhere, roads into Nairobi’s central business district were blocked, and key government buildings were secured with razor wire. The Kenyan Communications Authority initially banned live broadcast coverage of the protests, but the ban was overturned by a court in Nairobi.
The protests have been further fueled by public anger over the recent death of 31-year-old blogger Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody after criticizing a high-ranking officer. Three police officers and three other individuals have been charged with his murder, though all deny the charges. Two officers were arrested last week for shooting an unarmed protester during a demonstration over Ojwang’s death.
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