In a significant escalation of unrest in Kenya, the death toll from nationwide protests against police brutality and governance issues has risen to 16, as reported by the state-funded human rights commission. The protests, which engaged thousands across 23 of the country’s 47 counties, called for accountability regarding police conduct and urged President William Ruto to resign. The demonstrations were sparked by public outrage following the death of a blogger in police custody and a related civilian shooting.
On Wednesday, protests turned violent, with demonstrators setting fire to at least two police stations and looting numerous businesses in Nairobi. The Interior Minister, Kipchumba Murkomen, stated that police action was justified and labeled their conduct as necessary to prevent a coup. He also promised to investigate looting incidents using CCTV evidence.
Among the injured and deceased, families mourned lost relatives, including a 17-year-old boy reportedly killed by police in Rongai. As business owners surveyed their losses, one shopkeeper estimated thefts of around 800,000 Kenya shillings ($6,000) from her store.
The protests coincided with the anniversary of last year’s significant anti-tax demonstrations that led to at least 60 deaths and left numerous individuals missing. In anticipation of violence, both Parliament and the President’s office were secured with barricades, preventing protesters from accessing these key sites.
Social media played a crucial role in organizing the recent protests, highlighting ongoing dissatisfaction with government accountability and police practices in Kenya. The escalating violence and loss of life underscore the growing frustration among Kenyans, particularly the youth, concerning governance and socio-political issues.
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