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Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
At least eight killed in deadly Kenya protests: What we know
Several protesters were killed and at least 400 others were wounded on Wednesday when antigovernment protests in the capital, Nairobi turned deadly. Kenyan officials have not disclosed the number of casualties. Reports from media and rights groups varied, placing the number of dead between eight and 16. This is the latest outbreak of violence in the East African country where young demonstrators have frequently taken to the streets in recent months to protest myriad issues including police brutality, government corruption and high taxes. The demonstrations on Wednesday were held to mark the bloody June 25, 2024, protests against tax rises when police opened fire on large numbers of protesters, killing at least 60, according to rights groups. Here's what we know: Thousands took to the streets in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisii and several other major Kenyan cities in the early hours of Wednesday to mark the anniversary of the violent 2024 anti-tax protests, particularly the killing of 60 protesters, on June 25 last year. Bearing Kenyan flags, the protesters chanted slogans like 'Ruto Must Go' and 'Occupy Statehouse' in opposition to President William Ruto's government and referring to his official residence. Banks and schools in Nairobi's central business district were shut in anticipation of the protests, and police had cordoned off the State House, as well as the parliament building, with layers of barbed wire. Last year, protesters broke into the parliament block, chasing out politicians and setting parts of the building on fire. Wednesday's march was largely peaceful at first – and much smaller compared with last year's protests. Scenes in Nairobi, however, turned violent later on, after 'goons' or men believed to be undercover security officials and armed with whips and clubs attacked the protesters. Police also used live fire, rubber bullets, water cannon and tear gas to disperse the demonstrators. Shops and businesses in central Nairobi were also attacked, looted and burned by unidentified groups among the demonstrators. Some protesters also burned security barricades in the city and physically attacked suspected plain-clothed officers. In Kikuyu town, about 20km (12.5 miles) from Nairobi, protesters stormed and torched local government buildings, including a police station and courtroom. Some were arrested by the police but have not been identified. In other cities, including Mombasa, marches remained peaceful. Clashes were also reported in the towns of Matuu and Mlolongo in the eastern Machakos County, approximately 100km (62 miles) from the capital. Violence was also reported in Karatina, Nyeri vary and the Kenyan authorities have not confirmed the number of dead. According to a joint statement issued on Wednesday evening by the Kenya Medical Association, Law Society of Kenya, and the Police Reforms Working Group, eight people were killed, most of them in Nairobi. The group said 400 others were being treated for injuries, including three police officers. Of those, 83 people sustained serious injuries, including at least eight protesters treated for gunshot wounds. However, Irungu Houghton, the head of Amnesty Kenya, told Reuters that 16 people had died, adding that this figure had been verified by the global rights watchdog and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR). Security guard Fred Wamale Wanyonyi, who was on duty guarding a mall in central Nairobi, was one of those confirmed killed, according to rights groups. Protesters had gathered to mark the anniversary of last year's anti-tax protests, in which some 60 people were killed by police, although no officials have been punished. Activists said it was important for Kenyans to remember the bloody protests of 2024. 'It is extremely important that the young people mark June 25th because they lost people who look like them, who speak like them … who are fighting for good governance,' Angel Mbuthia, chair of the youth league for the opposition Jubilee Party, told the AFP news agency. On Wednesday, demonstrators were also demanding the overthrow of Ruto's government and called for an end to police brutality, corruption and general economic hardship in the country. Protester Osman Mohamed told Al Jazeera at the scene of the protests that he was there to demand better from the country's leaders. 'The government is taking us as a joke. They don't want to listen to us … they don't listen to us as citizens. We are the people, and they're supposed to listen because of the power of the people,' he said. Tensions had risen in recent weeks after 31-year-old blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang died in police custody between June 7 and 8. He had been arrested for allegedly insulting deputy police chief Eliud Lagat, and the police initially told his family he had died from self-inflicted wounds. Ojwang's killing prompted outrage and protests across the country, with people calling for the officers involved to be punished. Lagat, who denies any wrongdoing, stepped down from his post last week pending the outcome of an investigation. Three officers were charged with Ojwang's murder this week. The protests were anticipated, and authorities had been informed of them, rights activists said. Elijah Rottok of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights told Al Jazeera that protest organisers had received assurances from government officials that they would be allowed the space to protest peacefully. Despite this, he said, there was clear evidence of excessive force in the police response. 'We've seen a deliberate use of force to suppress (protests),' he said. 'We are condemning the excessive use of force … They need to abide by the rule of law and ensure that human rights are upheld at all times.' Authorities shut down live coverage of the protests on Wednesday afternoon, but that directive was later overturned by Nairobi's High Court, which ordered the Communications Authority of Kenya to restore signals to three independent television stations. Ruto, who was attending a burial in the coastal town of Kilifi on Wednesday, called for the demonstrations to remain peaceful in a statement. 'Protests should not be to destroy peace in Kenya. We do not have another country to go to when things go wrong. It is our responsibility to keep our country safe,' he said. Violent protests shook the country starting on June 18, 2024, after Ruto announced a controversial Finance Bill, a tax law that many said would make essential commodities costlier, as the country was gripped by an economic crisis that had seen the value of the Kenyan shilling drop by 22 percent. Young people largely led the protests, which went on for more than a week, but older Kenyans also filled the streets in anger. Although lawmakers removed certain clauses from the bill before passing it into law, the protests continued, with demonstrators calling for Ruto to step down. Officials insisted higher taxes were needed for the government to fulfil loan agreements with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). On June 25, protesters broke into the Kenyan parliament, where lawmakers were convening. The demonstrators ransacked the building and set its entrance on fire. In response, the police opened fire, killing at least 60 people and abducting several others, including some journalists. Ruto withdrew the bill on June 26, but the violence continued. Human Rights Watch has reported that following the protests, the bodies of some of those missing have turned up in rivers, forests and mortuaries, and showed signs of torture and mutilation. Some abductees told the rights group they were taken by officials who forced them to reveal the names of protest leaders. Calm returned to Nairobi on Thursday morning, although devastation was evident. Smoke was still rising from at least 10 torched buildings in downtown Nairobi as business owners returned to ransacked and looted stores in the central business district. In parliament, Ruto assented to the new Finance Bill 2025, from which tax rises had been removed. However, a controversial proposal which will see the Kenya Revenue Authority provided with access to taxpayers' personal and financial data was included. It's unclear yet if or how lawmakers plan to address the protesters' demands.
Saudi Gazette
2 days ago
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
At least eight killed and hundreds hurt as Kenya protesters battle police
NAIROBI — At least eight people have been killed and 400 injured as thousands took to the streets in a day of protests across Kenya against President William Ruto's government. Police clashed with protesters in the capital Nairobi and other cities exactly a year on from the wave of deadly anti-government demonstrations that hit the nation in 2024. Many of those demonstrating chanted "Ruto must go" and waved branches as a symbol of peaceful opposition to his rule. The government banned live TV and radio coverage of the protests, but its decree was overturned by the High Court in the capital, Nairobi. Ruto urged protesters not to threaten peace and stability, as crowds tried to reach his official residence but were pushed back by police. "Protests should not be to destroy peace in Kenya. We do not have another country to go to when things go wrong. It is our responsibility to keep our country safe," he said. The president was speaking at a burial ceremony in the coastal county of Kilifi. His absence from State House, his official residence, was notable as young protesters threatened to storm it. Police used barricades and razor wire to seal off major roads — especially those leading to State House and parliament. The authorities have not yet given any casualty figures from Wednesday's protests, but the Kenya Medical Association, Law Society of Kenya and the Police Reforms Working Group said in a joint statement that at least eight protesters were killed. Of the 400 injured, 83 required "specialised treatment" and eight had suffered gunshot wounds. The injured included three police officers, the statement added. A human rights group — Amnesty Kenya — put the death toll as high as 16. One demonstrator, Amina Mude, told the BBC she joined the protests "to fight for the future of my kids". "I feel like as a country we're not going in the right direction, especially in education and everything happening. "I feel like it's high time that the country and the leadership listens to us." In Nairobi, video footage showed plumes of white tear gas drifting between buildings, sending protesters scrambling for cover, coughing, and shielding their eyes. In the heart of the city, protesters marched pass shuttered shops and empty streets. The fence around parliament was lined with wreaths and handwritten notes from grieving families and defiant youths — a reminder of last year's unrest at the site. A young woman draped in a Kenyan flag clutched a poster bearing the names of those killed a year ago by the security forces as they tried to end the protests. — BBC
Al Bawaba
3 days ago
- Politics
- Al Bawaba
Eight Kenyans killed, hundreds injured in nationwide protests against President Ruto
ALBAWABA- At least eight people have been killed and more than 400 injured during nationwide protests in Kenya against President William Ruto's government, according to a joint statement issued by the Kenya Medical Association, the Law Society of Kenya, and the Police Reforms Working Group. Also Read Trump: Iran's conflict with Israel may reignite soon The protests, which spread across major cities, saw thousands of demonstrators flooding the streets, chanting slogans like 'Ruto must go' and waving tree branches in a symbolic gesture of peaceful resistance. Police clashed with demonstrators in several locations, using tear gas and barricades to prevent crowds from reaching key government sites, including the State House and parliament, as reported by the BBC. Protesters, many of them youth-led, faced off with heavily armed forces behind razor wire fencing. The same fencing encircled parliament after it was stormed and partially set ablaze exactly one year ago. President Ruto, who was away from the capital attending a funeral in Kilifi, called for calm. 'Protests should not be used to destroy peace in Kenya. We don't have another country to go to. It is our responsibility to keep our country safe,' he said. His absence from the State House during the height of unrest raised eyebrows as demonstrators threatened to storm the compound. Authorities initially banned live television and radio coverage of the protests. Still, the decision was swiftly overturned by the High Court in Nairobi, affirming media freedom amid growing concerns over transparency and state suppression. Wednesday's protests come against a backdrop of deepening public frustration over economic conditions, alleged police brutality, and growing disillusionment with Ruto's leadership. Among the 400 injured, 83 required specialized treatment, and at least eight sustained gunshot wounds. The casualties also included three police officers. In Nairobi's city center, shuttered businesses and smoke from tear gas painted a grim picture, but protesters remained defiant. Many carried placards bearing the names of those killed during last year's deadly protests, with floral wreaths placed near parliament in tribute. At least eight people have been killed and more than 400 injured during nationwide protests in Kenya against President William Ruto's government, according to a joint statement issued by the Kenya Medical Association, the Law Society of Kenya, and the Police Reforms Working Group. The protests, which spread across major cities, saw thousands of demonstrators flooding the streets, chanting slogans like 'Ruto must go' and waving tree branches in a symbolic gesture of peaceful resistance. Police clashed with demonstrators in several locations, using tear gas and barricades to prevent crowds from reaching key government sites including State House and parliament. Protesters, many of them youth-led, faced off with heavily armed forces behind razor wire fencing — the same fencing that encircled parliament after it was stormed and partially set ablaze exactly one year ago. President Ruto, who was away from the capital attending a funeral in Kilifi, called for calm. 'Protests should not be used to destroy peace in Kenya. We don't have another country to go to. It is our responsibility to keep our country safe,' he said. His absence from State House during the height of unrest raised eyebrows as demonstrators threatened to storm the compound. Authorities initially banned live television and radio coverage of the protests, but the decision was swiftly overturned by the High Court in Nairobi, affirming media freedom amid growing concerns over transparency and state suppression. Wednesday's protests come against a backdrop of deepening public frustration over economic conditions, alleged police brutality, and growing disillusionment with Ruto's leadership. Among the 400 injured, 83 required specialized treatment and at least eight sustained gunshot wounds. The casualties also included three police officers. In Nairobi's city center, shuttered businesses and smoke from tear gas painted a grim picture, but protesters remained defiant. Many carried placards bearing the names of those killed during last year's deadly protests, with floral wreaths placed near parliament in tribute. A young woman draped in the Kenyan flag held a poster honoring those slain — a stark reminder that, for many Kenyans, the struggle is far from over.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Eight killed as Kenya protesters battle police, medics say
At least eight people have been killed and 400 injured in nationwide protests in Kenya against President William Ruto's government, doctors and rights groups have said. Police clashed with protesters, who marched in their thousands - some chanting "Ruto must go" and waving branches as a symbol of peaceful opposition to his rule. The government banned live TV and radio coverage of the demonstrations, but its decree was overturned by the High Court in the capital, Nairobi. Ruto urged protesters not to threaten peace and stability, as crowds tried to reach his official residence but were pushed back by police. The president was speaking at a burial ceremony in the coastal county of Kilifi. "Protests should not be to destroy peace in Kenya. We do not have another country to go to when things go wrong. It is our responsibility to keep our country safe," he said. Ruto's absence from State House, his official residence, was notable as young protesters threatened to storm it. Why the death of a blogger has put Kenya's police on trial BBC identifies security forces who shot Kenya anti-tax protesters Police used barricades and razor wire to seal off major roads - especially those leading to State House and parliament. The protests were held exactly a year after demonstrators stormed parliament, setting part of the building ablaze. At least 60 people were killed in a wave of anti-government protests last year. The authorities have not yet given any casualty figures from Wednesday's protests, but the Kenya Medical Association, Law Society of Kenya and the Police Reforms Working Group said in a joint statement that at least eight protesters were killed. Of the 400 injured, 83 required "specialised treatment" and eight had suffered gunshot wounds. The injured included three police officers, the statement added. Amina Mude told the BBC she joined the protests "to fight for the future of my kids". "I feel like as a country we're not going in the right direction, especially in education and everything happening. "I feel like it's high time that the country and the leadership listens to us." Video footage showed plumes of white tear gas drifting between tall buildings, sending protesters scrambling for cover, coughing, and shielding their eyes. But they returned, chanting defiantly. In the heart of Nairobi, protesters marched pass shuttered shops and empty streets. The razor wire fencing around parliament stood as a stark reminder of last year's violent unrest. On Wednesday, the fence around parliament was lined with wreaths and handwritten notes from grieving families and defiant youths. A young woman draped in a Kenyan flag clutched a poster bearing the names of those killed a year ago by the security forces as they tried to end the protests. El Chapo & Deputy Jesus - why Kenya's president has so many nicknames Four Kenyan police officers charged over baby's killing as others freed New faces of protest - Kenya's Gen Z anti-tax revolutionaries Go to for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica Focus on Africa This Is Africa
The Guardian
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Guardian
At least eight people dead and 400 injured in Kenyan protests
At least eight people have been killed and 400 injured in Kenya as a nationwide demonstration to honour those killed during last year's anti-government protests turned chaotic, with police clashing with protesters in different parts of the country. A joint statement from groups supporting the protests said 83 people were seriously injured and at least eight people were being treated for gunshot wounds. 'We pray for our nation, dialogue and a way forward from the political impasse facing Kenya,' said the statement from the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), the Police Reforms Working Group and the Kenya Medical Association. Thousands of Kenyans took to the streets early on Wednesday to pay tribute to more than 60 people who died when police opened fire on a crowd that tried to storm parliament while MPs inside passed legislation to raise taxes. 'We face an unfortunate paradox as a country where more lives are being lost as the people seek justice for the lives already lost,' LSK president Faith Odhiambo said on X. 'Our hearts break for all the victims of the continued trend of police brutality and excesses.' In Nairobi, police barricaded major roads a few kilometres from the central business district and turned away buses and minibuses farther away from the city centre. They also blocked off access to key buildings, including the parliament and the official residence of president William Ruto, with razor wire. Thousands gathered in the city centre, where many businesses were closed, for the march, waving Kenyan flags and placards with images of victims of last year's protests. Others lit street fires and chanted slogans against Ruto. Later battles ensued, with police firing tear gas and water cannons and hitting protesters with batons, while protesters threw stones and other objects at them. A source at Nairobi's Kenyatta national hospital told Reuters the facility had received 56 people, most of them with injuries from rubber bullets. The planned marches also developed into clashes between civilians and police in the cities of Mombasa, Nakuru and Kisumu and other parts of the country. Protestors torched parts of court buildings in Kikuyu town in Kiambu county. The communications authority of Kenya ordered TV and radio stations to stop live coverage of the protests, threatening those that failed to follow the directive with regulatory action. NTV and KTN, two leading TV stations, were later taken off air. Lawmakers left parliament buildings in Nairobi, and protests continued to intensify in the city centre. Elsewhere, throngs of people marched along major roads towards the capital. Outrage has been growing in Kenya over the past few years due to corruption, unemployment, government excesses and rising living costs. Wednesday's protests come against a backdrop of demonstrations last year, prompted by proposed tax increases, in which dozens of people died and many more disappeared. The street protests reduced over time, but killings, arrests, disappearances continued, triggering more anger towards the authorities. Two incidents this month – the death of teacher Albert Ojwang in police custody after reportedly criticising a senior police official on social media, and the police shooting of vendor Boniface Kariuki at close range during a protest over Ojwang's death – have further inflamed public anger. Stephanie Marie, a young protester in Nairobi, said she was at Wednesday's march because of Ojwang. 'It could be my brother, it could be my cousin, it could be anyone,' she said. 'These are just normal boys, doing normal things.' She called for leaders to heed what the they were saying: 'The people voted. You're here for the people. You're working for the people ... We just want you to listen to the people. That's it.' Another young protester in Nairobi, Innocent, was commemorating the loss of his friend in last year's protests. He said he'd been exposed to a lot of teargas from police on Wednesday but he was relentless. 'The youth are unstoppable,' he said. 'Because we've come to fight for our rights.' He added: 'We don't want bad leadership'.
