Kenyan police have resorted to firing tear gas in Nairobi and Mombasa, as well as other cities like Kisumu, to quell widespread anti-government demonstrations.
These protests initially began over a contentious finance bill and have since escalated into demands for President William Ruto’s resignation, coupled with grievances against perceived police brutality.
Anti-government protester shot by police in Nairobi pic.twitter.com/4AnIRRngJM
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) July 2, 2024
In response to the protests, numerous businesses in Nairobi and Mombasa have chosen to remain closed, with clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement escalating to the point of cars being set ablaze in Mombasa. The unrest has also disrupted court proceedings in Nairobi, prompting magistrates to postpone hearings.
Some shop owners have taken proactive measures by hiring vigilantes equipped with clubs to safeguard their premises against potential looting amidst the chaos.
Kisumu protesters march up to the State Lodge and leave without a single shot fired by the police manning the area. pic.twitter.com/rQEaIkHhmi
— Capital FM Kenya (@CapitalFMKenya) July 2, 2024
Astin Kibowen, a 21-year-old safeguarding a music shop in Nairobi, expressed the protesters’ frustration, urging President Ruto to heed their voices and address their grievances regarding economic hardships exacerbated by recent tax hikes.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has reported a significant toll from the clashes, citing 39 deaths, including 17 in Nairobi and 22 across other parts of the country. Additionally, there have been 361 injuries, 32 cases of disappearances, and 627 arrests linked to the demonstrations.
Both KNCHR and Amnesty International have criticized the police response, condemning what they describe as excessive and disproportionate use of force against protesters, medical personnel, journalists, and even safe spaces such as churches and medical emergency centers.
President Ruto, however, defended the police actions during a recent interview, asserting that they acted within their mandate and promising to address any reported excesses through existing mechanisms.