One person was shot dead in Kitengela, Kajiado County, during anti-government protests on Tuesday July 16, 2024.
The protests, initially peaceful, turned chaotic when police fired tear gas at demonstrators who turned up in large numbers.
The protests in Kitengela escalated as police and protesters clashed. Protesters threw rocks while police responded with water cannons. Videos showed demonstrators carrying the body of a protester who had been shot in the head.
This incident brings the death toll to over 51 since the protests began, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR). The protests have also resulted in 413 injuries and 59 abductions.
General Service Unit (GSU) officers were deployed to support the police, who were overwhelmed by the protesters. Demonstrations erupted in over 23 counties, including Nairobi, Kisii, Migori, Nyeri, Makueni, and Turkana.
In Nairobi CBD, anti-riot officers used tear gas against peaceful protesters carrying Kenyan flags and placards while chanting, “Ruto Must Go.” Businesses remained closed as protests continued.
The protests, led by youth, began a month ago against proposed tax hikes in Finance Bill 2024. President William Ruto was forced to withdraw the bill, and dismiss most of his cabinet.
But protesters demand his resignation and systemic changes to address corruption and poor governance.
The protests have created a significant crisis for Ruto, who has been in power for two years. Critics accuse him of being a puppet to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and failing to address the country’s economic challenges.
Ruto’s office announced talks to address protesters’ grievances, but the dialogue is yet to start. It is unclear whether the talks have failed because the Gen Z movement which is at the forefront of the protests is leaderless and tribeless.
Leading activists rejected the invitation, demanding immediate action on issues like corruption.
Opposition Leader Raila Odinga’s call for dialogue was also met with resistance.
The protests, which began peacefully, have turned violent at times. Protesters briefly stormed parliament on June 25, and police opened fire resulting in loss of lives.
In addition to the deaths, KNCHR reported 413 injuries, 682 arbitrary detentions, and 59 abductions related to the protests.
Ruto Blames Ford Foundation over the Protests
Ruto promised to investigate abuse accusations but defended police conduct, blaming criminals for hijacking peaceful protests.
On Monday, he accused the Ford Foundation, an 88-year-old American philanthropic organization, of sponsoring the violence. The foundation has denied this claim, stating it is not affiliated with any political activities.
By Vivian K.