In the capital city of Nairobi, at least three people were shot and wounded during the protests that saw hundreds of young people flocking to the streets. Protesters barricaded roads, lit bonfires, and engaged police in running battles across the country, disrupting business operations and paralyzing public transport.
Similar scenes unfolded in other parts of the country, including Kitengela, where one protester was killed, and two supermarkets were looted. In Kakamega, protesters broke into a fuel station and looted the premises as the demonstrations escalated into violence. A journalist was also shot and injured by anti-riot police in Nakuru.
The protests came despite President Ruto’s efforts to address the demonstrators’ demands, including dismissing his entire Cabinet, dropping the controversial Finance Bill 2024, and implementing austerity policies. However, the restless youthful protesters have called for more action from the president, with some even demanding his resignation.
The state-funded Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reported that at least 50 people have been killed during the anti-government protests that started on June 18, and the number of those injured stands at 413. The commission also condemned the abductions and arrests of over 680 protesters.
The Ministry of Interior and National Administration has acknowledged that the protests have been infiltrated by violent gangs, leading to acts of lawlessness. The government has recommended the establishment of a Coroner General’s Office to investigate deaths, including those resulting from police action, and ensure accountability and transparency.
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