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ARN News Center
2 days ago
- Politics
- ARN News Center
16 deaths in Kenya protests, most killed by police, Amnesty Kenya says
Sixteen people died during nationwide anti-government protests in Kenya on Wednesday, most of them killed by police, the head of Amnesty Kenya said, a year after deadly demonstrations against a tax bill culminated in the storming of parliament. Thousands of Kenyans took to the streets to commemorate last year's demonstrations, in which more than 60 people died, with police firing tear gas and water cannons to disperse them in the capital Nairobi, according to local media and a Reuters witness. Some protesters clashed with police, and 16 people were "verified dead as of 8:30", Amnesty Kenya's executive director Irungu Houghton told Reuters, adding that the figures were verified by the global rights watchdog and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR). "Most were killed by police," Houghton said, adding that at least five of the victims had been shot dead. The government-funded KNCHR earlier said eight deaths had been reported across the country, all "allegedly from gunshot wounds". "Over 400 casualties have been reported, including demonstrators, police officers and journalists," KNCHR said in a statement shared on its official X account. The watchdog noted heavy police deployment and "allegations of excessive use of force, including rubber bullets, live ammunition and water cannons, resulting in numerous injuries". Kenyan police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga declined to comment on the statements by Amnesty Kenya or KNCHR. State-funded body Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) said in a statement at least 61 people were arrested during the protests. An official at the capital's main Kenyatta National Hospital said the facility had received dozens of wounded people. A total of "107 admitted, most with gunshot injuries," the source said, referring to rubber bullets and live rounds. He added that no deaths had been reported at KNH. National electricity provider Kenya Power said one of its security guards was shot dead while patrolling its headquarters in Nairobi. Large crowds were seen earlier heading in the direction of State House, the president's official residence, in scenes broadcast by Kenyan channel NTV before it and another broadcaster KTN were pulled off the air after defying an order to stop live broadcasts of the demonstrations. Both channels resumed broadcasts later on Wednesday after a court in Nairobi suspended the order issued by the Communications Authority of Kenya. ANGER AGAINST POLICE Isolated clashes were reported in the port city of Mombasa, according to NTV, with protests also in the towns of Kitengela, Kisii, Matuu and Nyeri. Although last year's protests faded after President William Ruto withdrew proposed tax hikes, public anger has remained over the use of excessive force by security agencies, with fresh demonstrations this month over the death of a blogger in police custody. Six people, including three police officers, were charged with murder on Tuesday over the killing of 31-year-old blogger and teacher, Albert Ojwang. All have pleaded not guilty. Ojwang's death has become a lightning rod for Kenyans still mourning those who perished at last year's demonstrations, blamed on security forces, against a backdrop of dozens of unexplained disappearances. "We are fighting for the rights of our fellow youths and Kenyans and the people who died since June 25... we want justice," Lumumba Harmony, a protester, told Reuters in Nairobi. The unprecedented scenes on June 25, 2024, showing police firing at protesters as they broke through barriers to enter parliament, created the biggest crisis of Ruto's presidency and sparked alarm among Kenya's international allies.
Dubai Eye
2 days ago
- Politics
- Dubai Eye
16 deaths in Kenya protests, most killed by police, Amnesty Kenya says
Sixteen people died during nationwide anti-government protests in Kenya on Wednesday, most of them killed by police, the head of Amnesty Kenya said, a year after deadly demonstrations against a tax bill culminated in the storming of parliament. Thousands of Kenyans took to the streets to commemorate last year's demonstrations, in which more than 60 people died, with police firing tear gas and water cannons to disperse them in the capital Nairobi, according to local media and a Reuters witness. Some protesters clashed with police, and 16 people were "verified dead as of 8:30", Amnesty Kenya's executive director Irungu Houghton told Reuters, adding that the figures were verified by the global rights watchdog and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR). "Most were killed by police," Houghton said, adding that at least five of the victims had been shot dead. The government-funded KNCHR earlier said eight deaths had been reported across the country, all "allegedly from gunshot wounds". "Over 400 casualties have been reported, including demonstrators, police officers and journalists," KNCHR said in a statement shared on its official X account. The watchdog noted heavy police deployment and "allegations of excessive use of force, including rubber bullets, live ammunition and water cannons, resulting in numerous injuries". Kenyan police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga declined to comment on the statements by Amnesty Kenya or KNCHR. State-funded body Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) said in a statement at least 61 people were arrested during the protests. An official at the capital's main Kenyatta National Hospital said the facility had received dozens of wounded people. A total of "107 admitted, most with gunshot injuries," the source said, referring to rubber bullets and live rounds. He added that no deaths had been reported at KNH. National electricity provider Kenya Power said one of its security guards was shot dead while patrolling its headquarters in Nairobi. Large crowds were seen earlier heading in the direction of State House, the president's official residence, in scenes broadcast by Kenyan channel NTV before it and another broadcaster KTN were pulled off the air after defying an order to stop live broadcasts of the demonstrations. Both channels resumed broadcasts later on Wednesday after a court in Nairobi suspended the order issued by the Communications Authority of Kenya. ANGER AGAINST POLICE Isolated clashes were reported in the port city of Mombasa, according to NTV, with protests also in the towns of Kitengela, Kisii, Matuu and Nyeri. Although last year's protests faded after President William Ruto withdrew proposed tax hikes, public anger has remained over the use of excessive force by security agencies, with fresh demonstrations this month over the death of a blogger in police custody. Six people, including three police officers, were charged with murder on Tuesday over the killing of 31-year-old blogger and teacher, Albert Ojwang. All have pleaded not guilty. Ojwang's death has become a lightning rod for Kenyans still mourning those who perished at last year's demonstrations, blamed on security forces, against a backdrop of dozens of unexplained disappearances. "We are fighting for the rights of our fellow youths and Kenyans and the people who died since June 25... we want justice," Lumumba Harmony, a protester, told Reuters in Nairobi. The unprecedented scenes on June 25, 2024, showing police firing at protesters as they broke through barriers to enter parliament, created the biggest crisis of Ruto's presidency and sparked alarm among Kenya's international allies.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
16 dead and hundreds injured in Kenya protests, Amnesty International says
Sixteen people have been killed and about 400 injured after thousands of people took to the streets in Kenya on Wednesday to protest against the government, Amnesty International Kenya has said. The death toll was confirmed to CNN Thursday by Irungu Houghton, who heads the human rights organization. Protesters took to the streets this week to mark one year since the anti-tax demonstrations last June, which left dozens dead and sparked nationwide outrage. The demonstrations in 2024 forced the withdrawal of a controversial finance bill that raised taxes. However, many of Kenya's youth are still enraged over several cases of alleged police brutality, including the death of a teacher in police custody and the shooting of an unarmed street vendor. On Wednesday, thousands of people demonstrated in the capital of Nairobi, the coastal city of Mombasa and other towns to mark the protest anniversary. In Nairobi, roads leading to the Kenyan Parliament building and the president's office were barricaded ahead of the demonstrations. CNN witnessed police shooting live rounds in Nairobi to disperse peaceful protesters Wednesday as government regulator, the Communications Authority of Kenya ordered all television and radio stations in the country to stop broadcasting live coverage of the youth-led march. Several of the demonstrators showed spent cartridges. Demonstrators were also repelled with tear gas and water cannon trucks in the capital – reminiscent of last year's dramatic scenes. The government agency falsely claimed live coverage of the demonstrations violated Kenyan laws while threatening regulatory action for non-compliance with the directive. Some Kenyan broadcast channels were taken off the air after resisting the directive but resumed coverage after a Nairobi court suspended the ban. Kenyan civil society groups denounced the ban as unconstitutional, saying in a joint statement with Amnesty Kenya that live coverage of protests was crucial to deterring 'excessive force and human rights violations by ensuring that actions are witnessed and recorded, thus fostering accountability.' The Kenya Editors' Guild described the ban as 'draconian' and an assault on democracy. Some 400 people were injured during demonstrations on Wednesday, according to another joint statement signed by Amnesty Kenya and groups including the Law Society of Kenya, Police Reforms Working Group and the Kenya Medical Association. The statement said 83 of those hurt had serious injuries and at least eight protesters were treated for gunshot wounds.
See - Sada Elbalad
2 days ago
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
16 Killed, Hundreds Injured Amid Demonstrations in Kenya
Israa Farhan At least 16 people have been killed and over 400 injured during widespread anti-government protests across Kenya, according to Amnesty International's Kenya branch. Most of the fatalities were reportedly caused by police gunfire. The demonstrations erupted on Wednesday to mark the anniversary of the "People's Movement" launched in 2024, a grassroots protest campaign demanding government accountability, an end to police brutality, and reforms in economic governance. Irungu Houghton, Executive Director of Amnesty International Kenya, confirmed that the death toll had been verified in coordination with the government-funded Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. At least five victims were fatally shot. The protests saw violence intensify in the capital, Nairobi, and spread to major cities including Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nakuru. Medical sources indicated that 83 of the injured are in critical condition, with at least eight people being treated for gunshot wounds, including three police officers. In a joint statement, a coalition of 20 NGOs, including Amnesty International and the Kenya Human Rights Commission, urged remaining demonstrators to exercise caution to prevent further casualties. Kenyan President William Ruto responded to the unrest during a funeral ceremony on the coast, calling on demonstrators not to destroy the country. He stated that Kenyans have no other home and must protect their nation's safety. Protesters, angered by rampant corruption and a heavy-handed police response, clashed with security forces near the presidential office in Nairobi. Police used tear gas and batons to disperse crowds. Roads leading to the parliament and presidential buildings were barricaded with barbed wire. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
Irish Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Times
Kenya: Most deaths during antigovernment protests caused by police, Amnesty says
Sixteen people died during nationwide antigovernment protests in Kenya on Wednesday, most of them killed by police, the head of Amnesty Kenya said, a year after deadly demonstrations against a tax Bill culminated in the storming of parliament. Thousands of Kenyans took to the streets to commemorate last year's demonstrations, in which more than 60 people died, with police firing tear gas and water cannons to disperse them in the capital Nairobi, according to local media and a Reuters witness. Some protesters clashed with police, and 16 people were 'verified dead', Amnesty Kenya's executive director Irungu Houghton said, adding that the figures were verified by the global rights watchdog and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR). 'Most were killed by police,' Mr Houghton said, and at least five of the victims had been shot dead. READ MORE The government-funded KNCHR earlier said eight deaths had been reported across the country, all 'allegedly from gunshot wounds'. 'Over 400 casualties have been reported, including demonstrators, police officers and journalists,' KNCHR said in a statement shared on its official X account. The watchdog noted heavy police deployment and 'allegations of excessive use of force, including rubber bullets, live ammunition and water cannons, resulting in numerous injuries'. Kenyan police spokesman Muchiri Nyaga declined to comment on the statements by Amnesty Kenya or KNCHR. State-funded body Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) said in a statement at least 61 people were arrested during the protests. An official at the capital's main Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) said the facility had received dozens of wounded people. There were 107 admitted, most with gunshot injuries, the source said, referring to rubber bullets and live rounds. He added that no deaths had been reported at KNH. National electricity provider Kenya Power said one of its security guards was shot dead while patrolling its headquarters in Nairobi. Large crowds were seen earlier heading in the direction of State House, the president's official residence, in scenes broadcast by Kenyan channel NTV before it and another broadcaster KTN were pulled off the air after defying an order to stop live broadcasts of the demonstrations. Both channels resumed broadcasts later on Wednesday after a court in Nairobi suspended the order issued by the Communications Authority of Kenya. Isolated clashes were reported in the port city of Mombasa, according to NTV, with protests also in the towns of Kitengela, Kisii, Matuu and Nyeri. Although last year's protests faded after president William Ruto withdrew proposed tax hikes, public anger has remained over the use of excessive force by security agencies, with fresh demonstrations this month over the death of a blogger in police custody. Six people, including three police officers, were charged with murder on Tuesday over the killing of 31-year-old blogger and teacher, Albert Ojwang. All have pleaded not guilty. Mr Ojwang's death has become a lightning rod for Kenyans still mourning those who died at last year's demonstrations, blamed on security forces, against a backdrop of dozens of unexplained disappearances. 'We are fighting for the rights of our fellow youths and Kenyans and the people who died since June 25th... we want justice,' Lumumba Harmony, a protester in Nairobi, said. The unprecedented scenes on June 25th, 2024, showing police firing at protesters as they broke through barriers to enter parliament, created the biggest crisis of Mr Ruto's presidency and sparked alarm among Kenya's international allies. – Reuters
