Nationwide protests in Kenya have led to a tragic increase in fatalities, as demonstrators demand accountability from President William Ruto's administration, drawing attention to systemic corruption and police aggression.
Kenya Faces Unrest as Protests Against Corruption and Police Violence Erupt
Kenya Faces Unrest as Protests Against Corruption and Police Violence Erupt
The death toll rises to 16 as Kenyans rally against government corruption and police brutality amidst increasing tensions.
Stones and debris clutter the streets of Nairobi following a day of protests that have left the country reeling. On Thursday, a prominent human rights organization announced that the death toll from nationwide demonstrations held the previous day had ascended to 16. The protests, which erupted on Wednesday, saw thousands of Kenyans take to the streets criticizing government corruption and police violence, with slogans calling for President William Ruto's resignation.
In clashes between demonstrators and security forces, live ammunition, tear gas, and rubber bullets were deployed, resulting in severe injuries among more than 400 protesters, according to a coalition of human rights advocates. Fred Wamale Wanyonyi, a security guard, was among those who lost their lives, as reported by Kenya Power, where he was assigned.
The Independent Police Oversight Authority, a governmental entity monitoring police conduct, reported that at least 61 arrests occurred amid the unrest, which spread to roughly half of the country’s 47 counties. Local media disclosed instances of arson at police stations and looting at businesses across various regions, although the total impact of the protests remains largely unassessed.
In Nairobi, businesses cautiously resumed operations on Thursday amidst a heavy law enforcement presence, with remnants of the protests still visible—rocks piled high on roadways once blocked by demonstrators. Shopkeepers and passersby expressed reluctance to discuss the unrest, citing fears of government backlash.
In an alarming move, the government had prohibited live media coverage of the protests as they intensified on Wednesday, an action that received widespread condemnation from journalistic associations and human rights groups. The messaging app Telegram faced restrictions as well, sparking discussions about potential legal recourse against the media blackout.
These protests commemorate last year's upheaval, which tragically resulted in over 60 fatalities and numerous cases of abduction and torture of protestors. Though President Ruto stated that all alleged abductions were resolved, the underlying discontent regarding economic challenges, corruption, and police conduct remains palpable among the populace.
