BLOOD ON THE STREETS: KENYA’S GEN Z PROTESTS TURN DEADLY

Thousands of Kenyans took to the streets to mark the anniversary of last year’s deadly protests against a controversial tax bill. The demonstrations, led by Gen Z, saw police use tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds, resulting in clashes and unfortunate loss of life. According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), at least tens were killed and hundreds injured during the nationwide protests.

The protests were held across various counties, including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisii, Kitengela, Matuu, and Nyeri. In Nairobi, police used live ammunition and rubber bullets, while protesters torched court facilities in Kikuyu town, on the outskirts of the capital. The demonstrations were sparked by anger over the use of excessive force by security agencies, with fresh demonstrations emerging over the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody.

“We are fighting for the rights of our fellow youths and Kenyans and the people who died since June 25… we want justice,” said T-bug (not his real name), a protester in Nairobi. The protests were largely peaceful, with demonstrators calling for police reform and accountability for past abuses. However, the police response was heavily criticized, with KNCHR pointing to allegations of excessive use of force, including rubber bullets, live ammunition, and water cannons.

“Kenyan authorities should ensure that security agencies deployed to protests protect the right to peaceful protest and refrain from using excessive and lethal force,” said Otsieno Namwaya, associate Africa director at Human Rights Watch. Human Rights Watch has condemned the police for shooting directly into crowds without justification, and has called for an investigation into the alleged abuses.

The government has faced criticism for deploying the military without parliamentary approval, although the High Court later ruled the deployment was legal and necessary. International human rights bodies, including the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and UN special rapporteurs, have been urged to monitor the crisis and investigate alleged abuses.

As the protests continued, eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and violence, with police firing tear gas and rubber bullets at demonstrators. “I was just standing there, and suddenly the police started firing tear gas. People were running everywhere, and I saw someone get hit by a rubber bullet,” said one eyewitness.

The injured were rushed to hospitals, with Kenyatta National Hospital reporting 107 admissions, most with gunshot injuries. The hospital’s medical staff described the scenes as “chaotic” and “overwhelming,” with many patients requiring emergency surgery.

The protests have sparked widespread outrage and condemnation, with many Kenyans taking to social media to express their anger and frustration over the police response. “This is unacceptable. Our youth are being brutalized and killed by the very people who are supposed to protect them,” tweeted one Kenyan.

As Kenya navigates this tumultuous period, citizens continue to demand justice and accountability for past abuses. The protests serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for human rights and the need for police reform in Kenya. The government must take immediate action to address the concerns of its citizens and ensure that the rights of all Kenyans are protected.

In the midst of the chaos, there were also stories of bravery and resilience. Many protesters refused to back down, even as the police used tear gas and rubber bullets. “We will not be silenced,” said one protester. “We will continue to demand justice and accountability, no matter the cost.”

The protests may have ended for now, but the fight for justice and human rights in Kenya is far from over. As the country mourns the loss of life and grapples with the aftermath of the protests, one thing is clear: the voices of Gen Z will not be ignored.

BY : BONFACE SISO.

John

The author is an experienced radio journalist and media manager.