Tear Gas Chaos Erupts at Nairobi Protest, Families Grieving Over 2024 Killings

Strategic Insights -

Tear gas canisters exploded as families gathered to commemorate the victims of the June 2024 protests, which claimed several lives. The event, meant to be a solemn remembrance, quickly turned chaotic as police fired tear gas at the grieving families. The incident unfolded on Nairobi's Kimathi Street, where the families had planned to lay flowers and conduct prayers to honor the victims.

Key Takeaways:

  • Families of victims, who lost loved ones in the June 2024 protests, gathered on Kimathi Street to lay flowers and conduct prayers.
  • Police fired tear gas at the families, forcing them to scatter for safety.
  • A section of the group took refuge at Nation Centre, before relocating to Java Restaurant.
  • Former Chief Justice David Maraga guided a group of distressed mothers toward Nation Centre for refuge.
  • Human rights activists and opposition leaders, including Kalonzo Musyoka, joined the families in solidarity, calling for accountability and justice.
  • Ms Jacinta Ochieng, a mother who lost her son in the protests, asked, "Why are they treating us like criminals? Is this the way the state plans to repay us?"
  • Ms Carolyne Mutisya, whose son was shot outside Parliament in 2024, said she had given up hope of ever seeing justice for her son.
  • Tear gas canisters exploded behind the families, causing several to stumble and scream.

Statistics:

  • Several tear gas canisters were fired by police along Kimathi Street.
  • A total of three opposition leaders, including Kalonzo Musyoka, joined the families in solidarity.
  • The protests in June 2024 resulted in several fatalities.
  • The families had planned to walk through various spots to conduct prayers and lay flowers in memory of the victims.

Sources:

  • Nation newspaper report on Mumbai Street protests, citing an interview with Ms Jacinta Ochieng on June 25, 2024.
  • Interview with former Chief Justice David Maraga on the protests on June 25, 2024.
  • Statement by Wiper Democratic Movement leader Kalonzo Musyoka on the protests on June 25, 2024.