At least ten individuals have been reported injured during ongoing protests in Nairobi, following a government ban on live media coverage of the demonstrations. The casualties include four protesters who were shot by police and a female officer who sustained head injuries after being attacked by demonstrators. The injured have been taken to Kenyatta National Hospital for treatment.
Despite an official order to halt live broadcasts, most Kenyan media outlets are continuing coverage of the protests, which mark the one-year anniversary of last year’s significant anti-tax demonstrations. The Standard Group has called this a “news blackout” and stated that it will continue its broadcasts in the public interest. This move has drawn condemnation from Amnesty International, which argues that suppressing the press will not resolve the ongoing tensions.
Visual reports indicate that police have deployed teargas against protesters who have reacted by throwing rocks. This escalating violence is reminiscent of the previous year’s protests, during which police forces faced severe scrutiny for their actions, resulting in numerous fatalities.
The current unrest has spread beyond Nairobi to cities such as Mombasa, Kisumu, and Eldoret. Local commentators continue to highlight the anger against the government for its handling of economic issues, particularly rising taxes alongside reported police brutality. A recent tragic case involved the death of a teacher, Albert Ojwang, while in police custody, prompting widespread public outrage.
Political analyst Herman Manyora has referred to the protesters as “heroes” and urges authorities to engage with them rather than dismiss their grievances. While the government has demonstrated efforts to improve conditions—such as withdrawing a controversial finance bill—dissatisfaction remains high among the youth, fueled by sentiments of injustice and corruption.
Amidst these protests, a coalition of envoys from twelve countries, including the US and the UK, has emphasized the importance of peaceful assembly and urges all involved to avoid violence. They express concern over the use of unmarked police officers and actions of hired attackers against demonstrators.
As this situation develops, it is clear that the call for accountability and change among Kenyans is still resonant, highlighting a significant chapter in the ongoing struggle for political and social justice in the country. The protests represent a crucial moment for civic engagement and the demand for addressing deep-rooted issues within Kenyan society.