NAIROBI – The torched building was smoldering and the shopkeeper was cleaning up the burnt debris in central Nairobi on Thursday.
Thousands of Kenyans took him to the streets on June 25th to celebrate the anniversary of the fatal demonstration a year ago and protest the death of a blogger held in police custody over complaints by senior police officials.
Over 60 people were killed in the 2024 demonstration. This was led by young people who informally call Gen Z in response to the proposed tax hike. This month we’ve seen many demonstrations following the death of blogger Albert Ojuwan, who was found to be beaten in prison.
In Wednesday’s protest, police fired tear gas and water cannons to disperse the Nairobi crowd, causing isolated clashes in other towns as well. Reuters saw several protesters injured in clashes with police.
Amnesty Kenya executive director Ilung Horton told Reuters that the 16 people killed on Wednesday died from gunshot wounds allegedly borne by police officers.
Police have not explained the victims or the shooting. Police spokesman Muchiri Nyaga did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Smoke was swirling from at least 10 torched buildings in downtown Nairobi on Thursday morning.
“Look: everything they burned. So try talking to the government with Gen Z because this is (from) Gen Z.
Shopkeeper Josephine Upondy said the “thugs” had plundered the Nairobishop 2 million shillings ($15,500) worth of phones and electronics.
“It’s very tough in our country right now. Sometimes we came in the morning until the evening and didn’t sell. And I remember this is something you’ve invested in for a long time,” she said.
Kenyan media also reported cases of destruction and looting in 26 other counties where protests were erupted.
Prosecutors have approved the murder charges of blogger Ojuwan, 31, against six people, including three police officers.
All six defendants pleaded not guilty. Reuters were unable to reach Ragat due to comments.
