By Trend News Line 2024-07-03 06:04:05.
Police officers in Kenya have been accused of using excessive force against unarmed protesters, resulting in the deaths of at least 24 individuals, many of whom were under the age of 30. The protests, led by young people known as Gen-Zs, were sparked by the Finance Bill of 2024, which many Kenyans felt would have imposed additional financial burdens on them.
The brutal tactics employed by the police have drawn widespread condemnation from human rights groups and the public. In one incident, a protester named Rex Masai was fatally shot by a police officer in Nairobi, who was later identified through CCTV footage. Another officer, Corporal Isaiah, was captured on video firing tear gas canisters at peaceful demonstrators and even aiming his firearm directly at journalists.
At Parliament, officers were filmed firing live bullets at protesters, resulting in multiple deaths. One officer, who bore a resemblance to a retired Kenya Defence Force officer, denied involvement in the shootings when contacted by the media. Additionally, an undercover police unit operating in an unmarked vehicle has been accused of abducting and shooting protesters in the city.
Social media influencers and activists have also been targeted by the police, with several individuals being abducted and interrogated about their involvement in the protests. Some have returned shaken, leading to a decline in their anti-government activism. The abduction of individuals like Joshua Okayo, Regis Wanjala, and Kevin Kori Gathura has raised concerns about the safety of dissenting voices in the country.
The use of excessive force by the police has resulted in tragic consequences, with innocent bystanders and individuals caught in the crossfire being injured or killed. In Rongai, gunshots rang out throughout the night, leading to the death of a 12-year-old child. Locals accused the police of indiscriminate shooting and forcing individuals to lie down before shooting them.
Despite President William Ruto’s directive to end abductions and extrajudicial killings, the violence perpetrated by the police continues unabated. The President has reiterated his commitment to upholding human rights and ending police impunity, but the actions of some officers suggest a disregard for these principles.
The ongoing protests and police brutality in Kenya highlight the need for accountability and respect for human rights. The international community has called for an independent investigation into the actions of the police and for those responsible for the violence to be held accountable. As Kenyans continue to demand justice and reform, the world watches to see how the government will address these troubling developments..
1. Rogue police officers
2. Killer cops gallery.