Police brutality witnessed during GenZ-led protests has resulted in deaths of many young people across Kenya. The number has crossed ten even as calls for police to account for the deaths of innocent Kenyan youths.
On Thursday, seven people suffered police gunshot wounds and were rushed to Homa Bay County Teaching and Referral Hospital following protests in Homa Bay Town. Out of the seven, two are female and the other five are male.
According to the hospital matron Caroline Adongo, four of them sustained serious gunshot wounds during the protests and are in critical condition.
Adongo says the four victims have already been taken to the hospital’s theatre for surgical procedures.
The three remaining victims who are in stable condition continue to receive medication at the facility.
During the protests, Police were engaged in a cat-and-mouse battle with youth who were protesting in Homa Bay town.
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The demonstrations began in the morning, leading to a confrontation with police.
The confrontation led to a situation in which the youth pelted stones at the police while the police retaliated with tear gas.
Police were repulsing the youth from accessing the central business district of Homa Bay town.
Business persons incurred serious losses after their activities were paralysed. All business premises were closed down as traders feared looting during the demonstrations.
The youth also blocked roads in the town, paralyzing transport services in the area.
The incidences of police using excessive force on protestors paints a grim picture in a country fashioning herself as democratic.
Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has commenced investigation into the deaths of several protesters including Rex Masai who was allegedly shot death by police during anti-finance bill 2024 and Evans Kiratu who succumbed to injuries caused by teargas cannister lobbed at him.
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