Protesters engage police in running battles

Street protests by Gen Zs have kicked off in major towns amid reports that at least 39 people have died and 361 injured since the onset of anti-finance bill protests in the country, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).

The young protestors have said they will not relent in their push for justice for their colleagues, allegedly killed by police during past demos against the Bill which has since been withdrawn.

In its latest data, the KNCHR indicates that Nairobi recorded the highest number of deaths at 17, followed by Uasin Gishu (4), Nakuru (3), Mombasa (3), while Kisumu had 2.

Kisii, Siaya, Kiambu, Kakamega, Nandi, Narok, Laikipia reported one death each.

The largely peaceful protests were last week infiltrated by criminals who destroyed key government institutions and looted several businesses.

In a statement issued on Monday, the DCI released CCTV footage and images of several people breaking into a clothes shop. Widespread looting and vandalism characterised the protests.

“Whereas some have already been arrested and arraigned in various courts today, more are still out there on the streets waiting for other opportune times to strike again,” the DCI said, urging members of the public to help in identifying suspects caught on CCTV.

Police who said they did not expect any form of violence in the planned marches were forced to lob tear gas to disperse a group of protesters within Nairobi CBD.

In other towns, the protestors who attempted to block roads engaged police in running battles even as they maintained they would not back down until their demands for a better economy and governance in the country were addressed.

The officers had a difficult time controlling the charged youths.

At the same time, transport has been paralysed along the Nairobi – Mombasa highway after protesters barricaded the road at Mlolongo, Machakos County.

On Sunday evening, President William Ruto during a State House Roundtable meeting with the media, said the military will not be involved in controlling protests.

The organizers of the protests said they planned a sit-in protest in various places, maintaining that they are peaceful. However, many shops remain closed in Nairobi, with very few establishments operating Tuesday morning.

The President who has reached out to the youth for dialogue declined to sign the Finance Bill and subsequently asked the Members of Parliament to delete all clauses.