Protests in Kenya Turn Deadly Amidst Calls for Government Change

At least eight people have died and over 400 are injured in widespread protests across Kenya, targeting President William Ruto's administration amidst demands for change.

Kenya has witnessed a surge of protests as citizens express discontent with President William Ruto’s government, resulting in significant civil unrest. Reports indicate that at least eight lives have been claimed and around 400 individuals injured during these demonstrations, which were met with police force including tear gas and water cannons. Protesters took to street chanting slogans like "Ruto must go," carrying symbolic branches to emphasize their call for peaceful resistance.

The government initially attempted to stifle coverage of these protests by banning live television and radio reporting, a move that was quickly overturned by the High Court in Nairobi. President Ruto, attending a burial ceremony in Kilifi, urged citizens to maintain peace, emphasizing Kenya as their only home. He was notably absent from his official residence, a fact marked by protesters’ attempts to reach State House.

Security measures were heightened in the capital, with barricades and razor wire installed on major roads to control the crowds, particularly those attempting to gather outside government buildings. The protests fell on the anniversary of a previous outburst of violence in which at least 60 individuals were killed last year.

The Kenya Medical Association, along with various rights groups, reported at least eight fatalities among demonstrators, some of whom required emergency medical care due to gunshot wounds. Accounts from protestors such as Amina Mude highlight the unrest stemming from worries about the nation's direction, particularly regarding education and governance.

Visual coverage from the protests depicts clouds of tear gas enveloping city streets as demonstrators faced fierce resistance from security forces. In a poignant reminder of past violence, memorials appeared at Parliament, bearing the names of victims from previous protests.