Amid ongoing tensions, thousands of Kenyans took to the streets, reviving demonstrations from last year that ended in violence.
Kenya Faces Deadly Protests Marking Year of Political Unrest
Kenya Faces Deadly Protests Marking Year of Political Unrest
At least eight people have died and hundreds are injured as protests erupt against President William Ruto's administration.
At least eight people have been killed and more than 400 injured during widespread protests across Kenya, as citizens expressed their frustration against President William Ruto's government. The unrest mirrors last year’s protests on the same date, which turned deadly and showcased the growing discontent among the populace.
In the capital, Nairobi, and other major cities, demonstrators clashed with police who responded with tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds, resulting in escalating violence. Many protesters chanted slogans like "Ruto must go" and brandished branches as a peaceful symbol of their opposition. The Kenyan government had attempted to suppress media coverage of the protests; however, a High Court ruling overturned the ban, allowing coverage to proceed.
In an attempt to quell the unrest, President Ruto addressed the nation from a burial ceremony in Kilifi, appealing to citizens to maintain peace. He emphasized that protests should not threaten national stability, especially as some demonstrators aimed to march toward State House, his official residence. Law enforcement erected barricades and razor wire to prevent access to key government buildings.
Casualty numbers are still emerging, but a coalition of medical and legal organizations reported at least eight fatalities. The situation remains dire, with many injured needing urgent medical attention, including several gunshot victims. Human rights advocates raised the death toll to as high as 16, spotlighting concerns about police conduct during these protests.
Demonstrators like Amina Mude shared their motives: "I joined the protests to fight for the future of my kids," she stated, reflecting a widespread sentiment that the current government is failing to address critical issues such as education.
Video footage from the protests illustrates the chaotic scenes, with plumes of tear gas filling the air as demonstrators attempted to navigate the city’s streets, now lined with wreaths and memorials dedicated to last year's victims of police violence. As the protests unfold, the struggle for political accountability and citizens' rights continues to intensify in Kenya.
