Some 10 persons have died in Kenya following a fresh wave of anti-government protests, according to the country’s official human rights commission.
The demonstrations, which have been ongoing since last year, escalated on Sunday as police reportedly opened fire on protesters in multiple locations. In Kangemi, on the outskirts of Nairobi, a doctor confirmed that two victims with gunshot wounds were brought to the Eagle Nursing Home.
Dr. Aron Sikuku, who spoke to the BBC, said both victims were pronounced dead on arrival. He also noted that hundreds of angry protesters gathered outside the hospital demanding to retrieve the bodies.
The protests coincided with the 35th anniversary of the historic Saba Saba demonstrations of July 7, 1990, a day remembered for sparking Kenya’s movement toward multi-party democracy.
The latest unrest reflects growing frustration among citizens over economic hardship, unemployment, and government policies that many believe have failed to improve the lives of ordinary Kenyans.
Activists and opposition leaders have blamed security forces for excessive use of force, as footage shared on social media showed chaotic scenes of tear gas, running battles, and heavily armed police officers confronting demonstrators.
Human rights groups have called for an independent investigation into the killings and urged authorities to respect the right to peaceful protest.
