Kenya Police Disperse Protest Anniversary Demonstrators

Kenyan police fired tear gas in Nairobi as demonstrators gathered to mark the second anniversary of the 2024 anti-government protests over tax increases and the cost of living.

Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen said 355 people were arrested during demonstrations across the country.

Murkomen apologised for the disruption caused by roadblocks and barricades, saying the measures were intended to manage the protests.

Organisers said the marches were held to honour people killed during the 2024 demonstrations, when protesters entered parliament before a security crackdown.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights has said at least 60 people were killed during the 2024 protests.

A Reuters witness saw police use tear gas outside Nairobi’s main police station after several people were detained near parliament while attempting to lay flowers.

Similar demonstrations were held on the outskirts of Nairobi, while protesters in Mombasa marched under police escort.

Security was tightened across Nairobi’s central business district. Businesses were closed, water cannon were deployed and parliament was secured with razor wire.

Families of victims and opposition leaders called for accountability over the deaths.

Edith Wanjiku, whose 19-year-old son Ibrahim Kamau was killed during the 2024 protests, urged President William Ruto to ensure officers responsible are prosecuted.

Ruto has acknowledged unlawful conduct by some security officers and announced 2 billion Kenyan shillings, about USD 15.5 million, for compensation.

It was not immediately clear whether any officers would face prosecution over the 2024 protest deaths.

SOURCE: Reuters