CNN
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Kenyan police celebrated the 35th anniversary of a democratic rally that spurred anti-government resentment among young Kenyans by using tear gas and water cannons on protesters.
The East African country is struck by a wave of bloody protests that began last year over an unpopular financial bill that raised taxes amid the cost of living.
The Kenyan government retracted the tax bill after demonstrations last June, but anger grew at the recent death of a teacher in police custody and the shooting of an unarmed street vendor by the police.
At least 16 people were killed and hundreds were injured last month during anti-government protests. Dozens more people died in the 2024 anti-tax demonstrations.
On Monday, several areas of Kenya watched the rally on July 7, 1990 as people marked the anniversary of the democratic march known as Sabah Sabah.
In Nairobi, Kenyan security forces fought out protesters with tear gas and water cannons hours after blocking the main road leading to the city. The road leading to the Kenya Parliament building, as well as the president’s office and residence, were also barricaded before the demonstrations.
On Monday afternoon, there were reports of police firing at protesters. CNN has not confirmed the report, and police spokesman Muchiri Nyaga told CNN he was not aware of his death.
CNN Affiliate Citizen TV has reported that at least two people have been shot and killed in Nairobi’s Kangemi area. He added that another man was shot in the area and was unconsciously labelled “she was seen lying on the road.”
In other parts of the city, despite the chaotic scene, some protesters remain rebellious.
“Who will fight for our rights (are we not ready to go back home? We will be here until the evening,” protester Francis Wazwa told Reuters.
The Clampdown comes after an individual described by the Kenya Human Rights Commission as an “employed fool” attacked the NGO office saying that he was “sent from the state to silence the objection.”
In a statement Sunday night, human rights groups said those entering the building “has been violently confused by the press conference by their Kenyan mothers.
Kenya government spokesman Isaac Mwaura told CNN to “contact a police spokesman” for comments when asked about the allegations.
Police spokesman Nyaga said “The National Police are considering the case and will take appropriate action after reviewing unacceptable clips.”
Earlier on Sunday, Home Minister Kipchumba Markomen said security agencies are “exerting high vigilance to decisively deal with criminals and other malicious elements that seek to infiltrate peaceful enactments to cause chaos, mayhem, or destruction of property.”
Murkomen previously described last month’s demonstration in a statement that “terrorism challenged” and further suppressed anger.
