from MARIA MACHARIA in Nairobi, Kenya
Kenya Bureau
NAIROBI, (CAJ News) – AT least eight people have died as Kenya plunges into a fresh round of anti-government protests, a year after such demonstrations left around 60 dead.
There are again reports of live ammunition by law enforcers as matters again come to head.
The Kenya National Commission of Human Rights (KNCHR) has documented the deaths as protests in the East African country erupted again on Wednesday as activists commemorated last year’s brutality by state security agents.
Again, the demonstrations in the major cities are led by the so-called Generation Z, a movement of youths largely disgruntled by economic problems and political repression, exacerbated by infiltration by criminals.
The rights commission said on Wednesday, all deaths were allegedly from gunshot wounds as state security responded with an iron fist against protesters.
Over 400 injuries have been arrested and more than 60 individuals were arrested for the skirmishes that have been documented in at least 23 counties out of Kenya’s 47 counties.
Those injured include demonstrators, police and journalists.
Some arrested are not accounted for as there are no records where they are detained.
“The commission is alarmed by the continuous violations of human rights and non-adherence to the rule of law by both state agencies and a select group of citizens,” lamented Raymond Nyeris, KNCHR vice chairperson.
Law enforcement has been documented as using, in addition to live bullets, rubber bullets and water cannons.
Yet, the High Court had prohibited police from using these measures.
“The commission condoles with the families of those deceased,” said Nyeris.
The Law Society of Kenya, Police Reforms Working Group and the Kenya Medical Association express condolences to the bereaved families.
They hinted the casualty figures could be higher.
“While these figures are confirmed by medics and human rights defenders, sadly, the exact figures may only be known in the course of time,” the jointly stated.
The same organisations denounced the order by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) directing media houses to cease live broadcasts of protests.
The order is lamented as a violation of the Kenyan Constitution.
It is also in contempt of the November 2024 Court ruling, which found the CA’s previous interference with television programming to be unconstitutional, null and void.
Nairobi, the capital, is again the epicentre of the deadly clashes.
David Maraga, former Chief Justice, was among protesters tear gassed by police.
“I appeal to all Kenyans to vote this government out so we come back and reset the country,” he said.
Last year, Kenya descended into a deadly crisis after President William Ruto’s government sought to impose the Tax Bill, aimed at increasing taxes.
Gen Z protested and state security responded with brute force.
Ruro later withdrew the bill and fired his cabinet.
The recent, controversial death of blogger, Albert Ojwang, in police custody recently has again agitated citizens.
Ruto, in power since 2022, and with his stock now nosediving, appealed for calm.
“Protests should be non-violent. Do not destroy property,” he appealed.
“Let’s maintain the peace and stability of our country. We have no other country to run to if things go wrong here.”
The expulsion of Ruto’s deputy, Rigathi Kachagua, last year has also inflamed ructions.
He has formed the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) to challenge Ruto in 2027.
– CAJ News