Latest news with #AmnestyInternationalKenya
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
16 dead and hundreds injured in Kenya protests, Amnesty International says
Sixteen people have been killed and about 400 injured after thousands of people took to the streets in Kenya on Wednesday to protest against the government, Amnesty International Kenya has said. The death toll was confirmed to CNN Thursday by Irungu Houghton, who heads the human rights organization. Protesters took to the streets this week to mark one year since the anti-tax demonstrations last June, which left dozens dead and sparked nationwide outrage. The demonstrations in 2024 forced the withdrawal of a controversial finance bill that raised taxes. However, many of Kenya's youth are still enraged over several cases of alleged police brutality, including the death of a teacher in police custody and the shooting of an unarmed street vendor. On Wednesday, thousands of people demonstrated in the capital of Nairobi, the coastal city of Mombasa and other towns to mark the protest anniversary. In Nairobi, roads leading to the Kenyan Parliament building and the president's office were barricaded ahead of the demonstrations. CNN witnessed police shooting live rounds in Nairobi to disperse peaceful protesters Wednesday as government regulator, the Communications Authority of Kenya ordered all television and radio stations in the country to stop broadcasting live coverage of the youth-led march. Several of the demonstrators showed spent cartridges. Demonstrators were also repelled with tear gas and water cannon trucks in the capital – reminiscent of last year's dramatic scenes. The government agency falsely claimed live coverage of the demonstrations violated Kenyan laws while threatening regulatory action for non-compliance with the directive. Some Kenyan broadcast channels were taken off the air after resisting the directive but resumed coverage after a Nairobi court suspended the ban. Kenyan civil society groups denounced the ban as unconstitutional, saying in a joint statement with Amnesty Kenya that live coverage of protests was crucial to deterring 'excessive force and human rights violations by ensuring that actions are witnessed and recorded, thus fostering accountability.' The Kenya Editors' Guild described the ban as 'draconian' and an assault on democracy. Some 400 people were injured during demonstrations on Wednesday, according to another joint statement signed by Amnesty Kenya and groups including the Law Society of Kenya, Police Reforms Working Group and the Kenya Medical Association. The statement said 83 of those hurt had serious injuries and at least eight protesters were treated for gunshot wounds.
See - Sada Elbalad
15 hours ago
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
16 Killed, Hundreds Injured Amid Demonstrations in Kenya
Israa Farhan At least 16 people have been killed and over 400 injured during widespread anti-government protests across Kenya, according to Amnesty International's Kenya branch. Most of the fatalities were reportedly caused by police gunfire. The demonstrations erupted on Wednesday to mark the anniversary of the "People's Movement" launched in 2024, a grassroots protest campaign demanding government accountability, an end to police brutality, and reforms in economic governance. Irungu Houghton, Executive Director of Amnesty International Kenya, confirmed that the death toll had been verified in coordination with the government-funded Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. At least five victims were fatally shot. The protests saw violence intensify in the capital, Nairobi, and spread to major cities including Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nakuru. Medical sources indicated that 83 of the injured are in critical condition, with at least eight people being treated for gunshot wounds, including three police officers. In a joint statement, a coalition of 20 NGOs, including Amnesty International and the Kenya Human Rights Commission, urged remaining demonstrators to exercise caution to prevent further casualties. Kenyan President William Ruto responded to the unrest during a funeral ceremony on the coast, calling on demonstrators not to destroy the country. He stated that Kenyans have no other home and must protect their nation's safety. Protesters, angered by rampant corruption and a heavy-handed police response, clashed with security forces near the presidential office in Nairobi. Police used tear gas and batons to disperse crowds. Roads leading to the parliament and presidential buildings were barricaded with barbed wire. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
