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Straits Times
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
Kenya's president orders police to shoot violent protesters in the leg
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox FILE PHOTO: Protesters take part in the \"Saba Saba People's March\" anti-government protest, in Kangemi area of Nairobi, Kenya July 7, 2025. REUTERS/Monicah Mwangi/File Photo NAIROBI - Kenya's President William Ruto said on Wednesday that police should shoot protesters who vandalise businesses in the leg to incapacitate them, two days after 31 people were killed during nationwide anti-government demonstrations. On Monday, police blocked off large parts of the capital Nairobi, and used tear gas, water cannon and fired at crowds to disperse them. Some supermarkets, businesses and hospitals were looted, damaged or torched. "Anyone who goes to burn other people's property, someone like that should be shot in the leg, and go to the hospital on his way to court," Ruto said in a speech. "They shouldn't kill the person but they should hit the legs to break them." The death of a political blogger in police custody brought hundreds of Kenyans onto the streets last month - reigniting a protest movement fuelled by anger over the cost of living and what they say is police brutality and corruption, a year after protesters opposing proposed tax hikes stormed parliament. The rallying cry among the protesters, mostly young adults desperate for job opportunities and organised through social media channels, is that Ruto will be a one-term leader. He won power almost three years ago as a champion of the poor who promised to end extrajudicial killings, but his government has responded to mounting public dissatisfaction with defiance. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. World Tremendous opportunities for growth in US-Singapore ties, says Trump's ambassador nominee Sinha Singapore Singapore to hire more than 1,000 new educators annually in the next few years, up from 700 Singapore COE prices rise for all categories Singapore Govt watching job situation for fresh graduates closely, exploring further support: Gan Siow Huang Singapore Man who killed cats by throwing them off HDB blocks has jail term doubled to 27 months Singapore $43k fine for undischarged bankrupt doctor who failed to disclose assets worth over $4m Singapore Female primary school teacher charged over alleged sex acts with underage male student Singapore People working in air-conditioned spaces prefer 24 deg C and warmer: Survey His interior minister, Kipchumba Murkomen, branded last month's protests as a "coup attempt" by what he called "criminal anarchists". The government-funded Kenya National Commission on Human Rights said criminal gangs wielding whips and machetes appeared to be operating alongside police in Nairobi and the Rift Valley town of Eldoret during the protests on Monday. Police have not commented on the commission's observations, but have previously said they do not work with "goons". "Those who attack Kenyans, police officers, security installations and businesses are terrorists. Such criminal acts are a declaration of war," Ruto posted later on Wednesday on X. "We will not allow our country to be destroyed by retrogressive elements that are seeking shortcuts to rise to power." REUTERS
The Star
26-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Kenyans clean up looted shops, torched buildings after day of deadly protests
People react as they look at business premises burnt during demonstrations to mark the first anniversary of the deadly 2024 anti-government protests that drew widespread condemnation over the use of force by security agencies, in downtown Nairobi, Kenya June 26, 2025. REUTERS/Monicah Mwangi NAIROBI (Reuters) -Torched buildings were smouldering and shop owners were cleaning up the charred wreckage in central Nairobi on Thursday, after a night of looting and arson followed youth demonstrations in which rights group Amnesty Kenya said 16 people were killed. Thousands of Kenyans took to the streets on Wednesday, to mark the anniversary of deadly demonstrations a year ago and to protest against the death this month of a blogger held in police custody over a complaint by a senior police official. More than 60 people were killed in the 2024 demonstrations, led by youth who refer to themselves informally as Gen Z, against a proposed tax hike. This month has seen a number of demonstrations following the death of blogger Albert Ojwang, found to have been beaten in jail. Wednesday's protests saw police fire tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds in Nairobi, with isolated clashes also breaking out in other towns. Reuters saw several protesters injured in clashes with police. Amnesty Kenya's executive director Irungu Houghton told Reuters the 16 who were killed on Wednesday had all died of gunshot wounds, suspected to have been inflicted by police officers. The police have not given an account of casualties or of any shooting. Police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Smoke was billowing from at least 10 torched buildings in downtown Nairobi on Thursday morning. "Look: everything they burnt. So please government, try talking to the Gen Z. Because that this happened (because) of Gen Z. So the Gen Z, try to sit down and talk with the government," said Ibrahim Hamisi, owner of one of the burnt buildings. Shopkeeper Josephine Apondi said "thugs" had looted 2 million shillings ($15,500) worth of phones and electronics from her Nairobi shop. "Things are so tough in our country right now. Sometimes we come morning until evening and we have not sold. And to remember this is something you have invested in for so long," she said. Kenyan media also reported cases of destruction and looting in 26 other counties where protests took place. Prosecutors have approved murder charges against six people, including three police officers, in the case of the blogger Ojwang, 31, who died after being arrested as part of an investigation triggered by a complaint by the deputy national police chief, Eliud Lagat. All six defendants have pleaded not guilty. Reuters has been unable to reach Lagat for comment. (Additional reporting by Humphrey MalaloWriting by George ObulutsaEditing by Ammu Kannampilly and Peter Graff)
Straits Times
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
Ten in Kenya suffer gunshot wounds at rallies marking anniversary of deadly protests
Smoke rises as protestors participate in a demonstration to mark the first anniversary of the 2024 anti-government protests that drew widespread condemnation over the use of force by security agencies, in Nairobi, Kenya June 25, 2025. REUTERS/Thomas Mukoya A person rides a motorcycle with a cross attached next to a man sitting on the ground during a demonstration to mark the first anniversary of the deadly 2024 anti-government protests that drew widespread condemnation over the use of force by security agencies, in Nairobi, Kenya June 25, 2025. REUTERS/Monicah Mwangi People run away from a vehicle using a water cannon at a demonstration to mark the first anniversary of the 2024 anti-government protests that drew widespread condemnation over the use of force by security agencies, in Nairobi, Kenya June 25, 2025. REUTERS/Thomas Mukoya An helicopter flies as smoke rises in Nairobi, on the day of a demonstration to mark the first anniversary of the 2024 anti-government protests that drew widespread condemnation over the use of force by security agencies, in Nairobi, Kenya June 25, 2025. REUTERS/Monicah Mwangi Smoke and fire rise at the site after riot police officers dispersed protesters during demonstrations to mark the first anniversary of the deadly 2024 anti-government protests that drew widespread condemnation over the use of force by security agencies, in Nairobi, Kenya June 25, 2025. REUTERS/John Muchucha NAIROBI - At least 10 people were hospitalised with gunshot injuries during rallies in Kenya on Wednesday to mark the one-year anniversary of protests against a tax bill that turned deadly, according to a hospital source and a report by Citizen Television. It was not immediately clear who had shot them. Thousands of Kenyans took to the streets earlier in the day to commemorate demonstrations last year that left at least 60 people dead and culminated in the storming of the national parliament. Police fired tear gas and water cannon to disperse protesters in the capital Nairobi and blocked incoming traffic towards the central business district, the epicentre of the protests, according to local TV stations and a Reuters witness. Kenyan police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga did not respond to a request for comment on the gunshot injuries. Although last year's protests faded after President William Ruto withdrew proposed tax hikes, public anger over the use of excessive force by security agencies has not abated, 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. On Wednesday, a source at Nairobi's Kenyatta National Hospital told Reuters that the facility had received 11 patients with gunshot injuries. As the protests widened to other towns, the Communications Authority of Kenya ordered a halt to live broadcasts of the demonstrations, according to an official post on X by the government spokesperson. LIVE BROADCAST OF RALLIES HALTED Ann Kananu, chair of the Kenya Editors Guild, told the KTN channel that the order to halt live broadcasts was a violation of Kenya's constitution. On Nairobi's Thika Highway, security forces deployed tear gas and water cannon to disperse hundreds of peaceful protesters. Isolated clashes were reported in the port city of Mombasa, according to Kenya's NTV channel, with protesters also gathering in the towns of Kitengela, Kisii, Matuu and Nyeri. The blogger 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. Members of the public and opposition leaders placed wreaths outside parliament on Wednesday. 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. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
Kenyans stage anti-government protests one year after storming parliament
Protestors participate in a demonstration to mark the first anniversary of the 2024 anti-government protests that drew widespread condemnation over the use of force by security agencies, in Nairobi, Kenya June 25, 2025. REUTERS/Monicah Mwangi People run during a demonstration to mark the first anniversary of the deadly 2024 anti-government protests that drew widespread condemnation over the use of force by security agencies, in Nairobi, Kenya June 25, 2025. REUTERS/Monicah Mwangi Soldiers ride a vehicle during a demonstration to mark the first anniversary of the 2024 anti-government protests that left more than 60 people dead and drew widespread condemnation over the use of force by security agencies, in Nairobi, Kenya June 25, 2025. REUTERS/Thomas Mukoya Smoke rises as protestors participate in a demonstration to mark the first anniversary of the 2024 anti-government protests that drew widespread condemnation over the use of force by security agencies, in Nairobi, Kenya June 25, 2025. REUTERS/Thomas Mukoya A protestor in a protective mask participates in a demonstration to mark the first anniversary of the 2024 anti-government protests that left more than 60 people dead and drew widespread condemnation over the use of force by security agencies, in Nairobi, Kenya June 25, 2025. REUTERS/Monicah Mwangi NAIROBI - Thousands of Kenyans took to the streets on Wednesday to mark the one-year anniversary of anti-government protests that killed at least 60 people and culminated in the storming of the national parliament. Police fired tear gas to disperse protesters in the capital Nairobi and blocked incoming traffic towards the central business district, the epicentre of the protests, according to local television stations and a Reuters witness. Marches in the port city of Mombasa and the city of Nakuru proceeded peacefully. Although last year's protests against proposed tax increases eventually faded after President William Ruto withdrew the planned hikes, public anger over the use of force by security agencies has not abated, with fresh demonstrations erupting 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. The death of Ojwang has become a lightning rod for Kenyans still mourning the deaths of protesters killed at last year's demonstrations, blamed on security forces, along with rights groups claims of dozens of unexplained abductions. Members of the public and opposition leaders placed wreaths near razor wire barriers outside parliament on Wednesday. "A year later, nothing has happened," Kalonzo Musyoka, leader of the opposition Wiper Party, told reporters, criticising the government over its perceived failure to address protesters' concerns. The interior ministry in a post on X on Tuesday warned demonstrators not to "provoke police" or "attempt to breach protected areas." 'REFRAIN FROM VIOLENCE' 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. "No amount of compensation will fill that vacuum. No amount of money will replace Rex," Gillian Munyau, mother of Rex Kanyike Masai, one of the first demonstrators killed last year, said in an interview on NTV Kenya television. On Tuesday, the embassies of the United States, Britain, Canada and other Western nations released a joint statement on X urging all to "facilitate peaceful demonstrations and to refrain from violence." "The use of plain-clothed officers in unmarked vehicles erodes public trust," the statement said. Rights campaigners condemned the presence of unidentified police officers at protests last year. The embassies said they were troubled by the use of hired "goons" to disrupt peaceful demonstrations, after Reuters reporters saw groups of men beating protesters with sticks and whips last week. Kenya's foreign affairs ministry said in a statement late on Tuesday that any policing violations would be addressed through government institutions including parliament and the judiciary. The counter-protesters have defended their actions, telling Reuters that they are not goons but rather patriots protecting property from looters. Two police officers were arrested last week over the shooting of an unarmed civilian during a protest in Nairobi over the death of Ojwang, the blogger. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
Kenyan court sentences two men to 30 years in prison for aiding 2019 hotel attack
Hussein Mohammed Abdile attends a court session where he was sentenced to 30 years imprisonment after he was found guilty of aiding a 2019 attack by al Qaeda-linked militants at Dusit hotel that killed 21 people in 2019, at the Kahawa Law Courts, Nairobi, Kenya June 19, 2025. REUTERS/Monicah Mwangi Mohamed Abdi Ali attends a court session where he was sentenced to 30 years imprisonment after he was found guilty of aiding a 2019 attack by al Qaeda-linked militants at Dusit hotel that killed 21 people in 2019, at the Kahawa Law Courts, Nairobi, Kenya June 19, 2025. REUTERS/Monicah Mwangi Kenyan court sentences two men to 30 years in prison for aiding 2019 hotel attack NAIROBI - A Kenyan court on Thursday sentenced two men to 30 years in prison for aiding a 2019 attack by militant members of the al Shabaab group on a hotel and office complex in Nairobi that killed 21 people. Hussein Mohammed Abdile and Mohamed Abdi Ali were convicted in May on charges of facilitation and conspiracy to commit an act of terrorism for helping the al Qaeda-linked Islamist group. They had pleaded not guilty. Al Shabaab regularly carries out attacks in Kenya to try to pressure the government to withdraw peacekeeping troops from Somalia, where al Shabaab is waging an insurgency to try to seize power. Prosecutors said Abdile and Ali helped two of the attackers obtain forged identity cards that allowed them to escape from a refugee camp and provided financial support. Abdile and Ali have 14 days to appeal their sentences. Delivering her ruling on Thursday, Judge Diana Mochache said that without their involvement, the attack may not have happened. "Without financiers, facilitators and sympathisers, terrorists cannot actualise their activities," Mochache said. In the January 2019 attack, several gunmen stormed the Dusit complex in Nairobi, triggering an assault and siege that lasted more than 12 hours. The Kenyan government said at the time that it had killed all the attackers. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
