On Wednesday in Kenya, protests erupted nationwide against police brutality and poor governance, resulting in 16 fatalities, as reported by the state-funded human rights commission. The demonstrations, which involved thousands of frustrated young Kenyans, spanned 23 of the country’s 47 counties, leading to significant unrest in Nairobi, where at least two police stations were set ablaze.
The protests were fueled by the recent death of a blogger in custody and the shooting of a civilian during related protests. Many demonstrators were vocal in their demands for President William Ruto’s resignation, chanting anti-government slogans as police attempted to disperse crowds with tear gas.
Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen visited the capital to assess property damage, noting goods were stolen from numerous businesses. He stated that police would pursue looters identified through CCTV footage, emphasizing accountability for the chaos. Meanwhile, families mourned their loved ones, with one relative recounting the heartbreaking search for her 17-year-old nephew who was among those killed.
Defending the police’s actions during the protests, Murkomen insisted that law enforcement did not exceed their authority, claiming they were merely preventing a coup. He stated that police are not armed without justification and deserve public support.
The unrest, mobilized through social media channels, commemorated the anniversary of last year’s protests over high taxes that left about 60 people dead, with 20 still reported missing. Security was heightened around key government buildings, limiting access during the demonstrations, which echoed ongoing frustrations over governance issues in Kenya. As business owners assessed their losses from looting, the scars of unrest suggested deeper societal challenges that remain unresolved.
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