BY: CHIOMA MADONNA NDUKWU
A new wave of anti-government protests has engulfed Kenya, resulting in the death of one individual and injuries to several others, including a journalist.
On Tuesday, police deployed teargas to disperse crowds in Nairobi’s central business district as protesters chanted “Ruto must go” and waved Kenyan flags. While demonstrations in Mombasa remained peaceful, tensions escalated in Karatina, Nyeri County, where residents lit bonfires and demanded accountability for the deaths during previous anti-finance bill protests.
This unrest follows the recent discovery of six mutilated female bodies, intensifying scrutiny on Kenyan police for their harsh response to last month’s anti-tax protests. Human rights organizations have accused security forces of abducting protesters, amplifying public outrage.
In a bid to quell the unrest, President William Ruto has vowed to hold those responsible for the killings accountable, cut budgets across presidential offices, withdrawn controversial legislation, and dismissed nearly his entire cabinet. However, these measures have failed to placate protesters, who continue to call for Ruto’s resignation.
The protests turned violent in Nakuru, where three people, including journalist Wanjeri wa Kariuki, were shot. Kariuki, despite wearing a press card and jacket, was shot three times in the thigh and is currently receiving treatment. Other victims were shot in the leg and back amid chaotic scenes between police and protesters.
A Reuters report confirmed the fatality during the clashes, highlighting the escalating violence in Kenya as citizens demand justice and governmental accountability.
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