In Nairobi, Kenya, the death toll from nationwide protests against police brutality and government mismanagement has risen to 16, according to the state-funded human rights commission. The protests, which took place across 23 of the country’s 47 counties, drew thousands of frustrated young Kenyans demanding an end to police violence and calling for President William Ruto’s resignation. The unrest was sparked by the recent death of a blogger in police custody, exacerbating tensions following the shooting of a civilian during protests related to that incident.
Protesters faced off with police in downtown Nairobi, where law enforcement retaliated with tear gas. Significant property damage occurred, including the destruction of at least two police stations and raids on local businesses. Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen assessed the damage in Nairobi, noting that police would track down looters using CCTV footage.
Families are mourning the deaths of their loved ones, with one woman identifying her 17-year-old nephew among the deceased. Murkomen defended police actions during the protests, insisting that they acted appropriately and were protecting public order.
As businesses surveyed their losses—one phone seller reporting inventory loss of about $6,000—the protests were organized on social media to mark the anniversary of previous anti-tax demonstrations that resulted in over 60 fatalities. On that day, Parliament and the President’s office were heavily fortified with razor wire to prevent access, underscoring the ongoing tensions between citizens and the government as frustrations over governance continue to boil over.
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