Sign in Subscribe
Activists

Kenya Protests: Eight Fatalities Reported Amidst Allegations of Excessive Force

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Thousands took to the streets in Kenya on Wednesday to mark the first anniversary of the dramatic anti-Finance Bill demonstrations that led to the storming of parliament, police gunfire, and over 60 deaths. Amidst the protests, eight fatalities have been reported, with more than 400 people injured, including protesters, police, and journalists. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported credible allegations of excessive force, including the use of rubber bullets, live ammunition, and water cannons, which caused numerous injuries.

Key Takeaways:

  • Eight fatalities have been reported from alleged gunshot wounds in six counties, with previous local media reports putting the toll at four.
  • More than 400 people, including protesters, police, and journalists, have been injured, with at least 61 detained.
  • The KNCHR received credible reports of "hired goons" infiltrating protests in several cities, engaging in violence, looting, and property destruction.
  • The Communications Authority (CA) order to end live coverage of the protests was suspended by the Kenyan High Court, with the court directing the broadcasting signals to be immediately reinstated.
  • Global internet watchdog NetBlocks reported restrictions on Telegram services in Kenya, amid concerns of a wider internet shutdown.
  • Kenyan President William Ruto urged citizens to protest peacefully, without descending into chaos or destroying property.
  • The protests, sparked by public anger over rising living costs and Ruto's tax policies, initially focused on economic demands but escalated into demands for Ruto's resignation.
  • The government's handling of the protests faced intense scrutiny, with Ruto's administration ultimately acknowledging fatalities and disappearances linked to the unrest.
  • The government later dissolved nearly the entire Cabinet, retaining only Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and pledged to form a "broad-based government".

Statistics:

  • August 25, 2024: The date when thousands took to the streets across Kenya to mark the first anniversary of the dramatic anti-Finance Bill demonstrations.
  • 8: The number of fatalities reported from alleged gunshot wounds in six counties.
  • 400+: The number of people injured, including protesters, police, and journalists.
  • 61: The number of people detained.
  • 60+: The number of deaths reported in the 2024 anti-Finance Bill demonstrations.
  • June 25, 2024: The date when the anti-Finance Bill demonstrations led to the storming of parliament, police gunfire, and numerous deaths.

Sources:

  • Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR)
  • NetBlocks
  • Kenyans news website
  • Global internet watchdog
  • Kenya's High Court

Read more