Protesters blocking riad with lit tyres and stones in Kirinyaga County. KNCHR has reported 10 deaths following the protest. Photo: Reuters.
Fifty two (52) police officers were injured during the commemoration of the 35th Saba Saba Day across the country, according to a statement by National Police Service (NPS) Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga.
Nyaga further stated that during the daily and chaotic protests, 11 civilians were also injured, with 11 deaths, as 12 police vehicles were damaged, three government vehicles and four civilian vehicles also were not spared by the wrath of irate youths.
NPS further confirmed arrest of 567 protesters across the country, as they lauded a section of Kenyans for maintaining peace, with a notice of a few officers being aimed and attacked by protesters.
“NPS commends the majority of Kenyans for being law abiding and heeding the call to maintain law and order. However, certain individuals remained determined to engage in acts of lawlessness that involved multiple criminal acts including attacks on law enforcement officers and looting,” Nyaga stated.
Additionally, the Service confirmed arrest of Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji, a close ally of former deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who has been accused of radicalizing Mt. Kenya people against each other, with allies of President William Ruto calling for his arrest.
Despite rampant police brutality witnessed during protests and inhuman treatment of protesters by police officers, NPS further praised the officers managing the protests for doing a great job with utter professionalism, and restrain to attack protesters even in the midst of provocation.
“NPS also commends its officers for demonstrating exceptional restraint and professionalism in the face of sustained violence and provocations by criminals who infiltrated the protests,” Nyaga further stated.
Huis sentiments echoing CS Kipchumba Murkomen, who lauded the officers for blocking goons and protesters for accessing Nairobi CBD to loot and destroy properties as well as securing lives of Kenyans during the protests.
Both NPS and Murkomen calling on Kenyans to report any criminal still at large captured acting unlawful during the protests, as those already in police custody will be charged before Courts.
On Monday, Gen Zs came out to commemorate 35th Saba Saba Day that was first marked in July 7, 1990 to call for multiparty democracy and freedom of speech. Similar issues being raised by Gen Zs including poor leadership, rampant corruption, enforced disappearance and abductions enforced by the Kenya Kwanza government.
