 "Smoke rises as protestors participate in a demonstration to mark the first anniversary of the 2024 anti-government protests that drew widespread condemnation over the use of force by security agencies, in Nairobi, Kenya, on Wednesday. Reuters")
At least 16 people have been killed and 400 injured in Kenya during nationwide protests that turned violent on Wednesday. The demonstrations were meant to honour those killed in last year’s anti-government rallies, but clashes broke out between police and protesters across the country.
Amnesty Kenya’s executive director, Irũngũ Houghton, said the deaths were confirmed by the government-backed Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, adding that most of the victims were shot by police.
A joint statement from protest organisers said 83 people were seriously injured, and at least eight were being treated for gunshot wounds.
“We pray for our nation and call for dialogue to end the political deadlock,” said a statement from the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), the Police Reforms Working Group, and the Kenya Medical Association.
Thousands of people took to the streets to remember over 60 protesters who were killed last year when police opened fire on crowds trying to storm parliament during a vote to raise taxes.
“We face a sad reality where more people are dying while demanding justice for those already lost,” said Faith Odhiambo, president of the LSK. “Our hearts go out to all victims of ongoing police brutality.”
In Nairobi, police set up roadblocks and turned away buses several kilometres from the city centre. They also sealed off key government buildings, including parliament and the president’s residence, using razor wire.