13 Kenyans Shot With Live Bullets During Finance Bill Protests – Amnesty International
On Tuesday, Amnesty International denounced the excessive force used by police on Kenyans protesting the Finance Bill 2024. According to a statement, 13 people were shot with live bullets, four with rubber bullets, and three were injured by teargas canisters.
In total, over 31 people were injured and five were fatally shot during the protests. Amnesty also criticized the mysterious disappearances carried out by uniformed and plainclothes officers in the past 24 hours.
The missing individuals included Shadrack Kiprono (now released), Kevin Monari, Zadock Nyamari Monari, Gabriel Oguda, Andrew Mwangi, John Frank Ngemi, Avugwi Chagusia, Chebet Kirui (Nakuru), Brian Nzavi Ngula, Harriet Nyongesa, Chebet Kirui, and Ernest Nyerere (now released).
The organization urged the State to cease using live ammunition on unarmed medical personnel attending to the injured. Additionally, Amnesty called on the government to stop threatening to shut down media outlets, following allegations by KTN that they received such threats over their protest coverage.
“We urge the State and all parties to de-escalate the situation and stop using lethal force to protect life,” the statement read in part.
“We call on the authorities to refrain from threatening mass media houses. We also appeal for safe medical corridors for all medical personnel and ambulances to reach the injured. The scenes of police officers shooting at the medical emergency center at Holy Basilica must cease immediately.”
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In an unprecedented turn of events, protesters breached parliament and accessed several secured areas in Nairobi, including City Hall. This led to prolonged clashes between anti-riot officers and demonstrators, lasting for hours.
In response, several gunshots were fired outside parliament as police attempted to restore order. However, the protesters persisted with their demonstrations.
13 Kenyans Shot With Live Bullets During Finance Bill Protests – Amnesty International