At least six people have reportedly been shot dead as nationwide protests marking the first anniversary of last year’s deadly anti-tax demonstrations escalate.
Julius Makau, an administrator at Matuu Sub-County Hospital, confirmed receiving multiple casualties.
“One had abdominal gunshot wounds and died from excessive bleeding. We got an alert of another gunshot victim at another hospital, but on arrival we found the patient had already succumbed,”
Violence has broken out in multiple locations.
In Nairobi, at least 50 people are reported injured as protesters clash with police in the central business district and surrounding areas. Tear gas and water cannons have been deployed in running battles, with protesters pushing through roadblocks in an attempt to reach Parliament. In some instances, officers have been overwhelmed and forced to retreat.
One police officer and several demonstrators have been injured, and tensions escalated further after a man suspected of being a plainclothes officer was manhandled by the crowd.
Kenyatta National Hospital has received multiple casualties, though it remains unclear how many are gunshot-related.
The protests, sparked by concerns over police brutality, economic hardship, and unfulfilled reforms, are being held exactly one year after similar demonstrations turned deadly in 2024.
The situation remains volatile, with fears of more fatalities mounting as security forces and demonstrators continue to clash in multiple towns across the country.
