Amnesty: 16 Dead in Kenya Protests, Majority by Police Action

NAIROBI: At least 16 individuals lost their lives during protests across Kenya on Wednesday, most of whom were reportedly shot by police, as reported by Amnesty Kenya.

The protests were organized to commemorate the one-year anniversary of violent demonstrations against a tax bill, during which over 60 people perished.

Large crowds gathered in various towns, with some skirmishes breaking out between police and protesters. Law enforcement used tear gas, rubber bullets, and water cannons to disperse the crowds in Nairobi, as indicated by local media and a witness from Reuters.

“As of 8:30 a.m., 16 fatalities have been confirmed,” stated Irungu Houghton, Executive Director of Amnesty Kenya, speaking to Reuters. The organization has verified these numbers in collaboration with the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).

“The majority were killed by police,” noted Houghton, adding that at least five of the deceased were shot.

In prior statements, KNCHR reported eight deaths occurring nationwide, all “allegedly from gunshot wounds.”

“More than 400 injuries have been documented, affecting demonstrators, police officers, and journalists,” KNCHR detailed in a statement on its official X account.

The rights organization highlighted a strong police presence and claims of excessive force, including rubber bullets, live ammunition, and water cannons, leading to numerous injuries.

Muchiri Nyaga, a spokesperson for the police, refrained from responding to statements made by Amnesty Kenya and KNCHR.

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), another state-funded entity, reported that at least 61 individuals were detained during the protests.

An official at Nairobi’s Kenyatta National Hospital revealed that the facility received a substantial number of injured individuals.

“107 have been admitted, with most suffering from gunshot wounds,” the source stated, referencing injuries from both rubber bullets and live rounds. They added that no deaths had been recorded at the hospital.

Kenya Power, the national electricity provider, mentioned that one of its security guards had been shot and killed while on duty at the company’s headquarters in Nairobi.

Earlier that day, large groups were observed marching toward the State House—home of the president—in scenes broadcast by Kenyan station NTV. Both NTV and KTN were temporarily taken off the air for ignoring orders to cease live coverage of the protests.

The channels resumed their broadcasts later on Wednesday after a Nairobi court lifted the directive from the Communications Authority of Kenya.

Outrage Over Police Conduct

Isolated clashes were also reported in Mombasa, according to NTV, with protests occurring in locations such as Kitengela, Kisii, Matuu, and Nyeri.

While last year’s protests subsided after President William Ruto scrapped proposed tax increases, public fury has lingered due to the aggressive tactics employed by security forces. Recent demonstrations erupted this month following the death of a blogger while in police custody.

On Tuesday, six individuals, including three police officers, were charged with murder in connection to the death of 31-year-old blogger and educator Albert Ojwang. All have pleaded not guilty.

Ojwang’s death has resonated deeply with many Kenyans, who remain in mourning for those killed in last year’s protests, largely attributed to police brutality amidst numerous unexplained vanishings.

“We are fighting for the rights of our fellow youths, Kenyans, and those who have lost their lives since June 25… we seek justice,” protester Lumumba Harmony told Reuters in Nairobi.

The shocking images from June 25, 2024—when police fired upon demonstrators who breached barriers toward parliament—represent one of the most severe crises of Ruto’s presidency and raised concerns among Kenya’s international allies.