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Hans India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
11 dead, 567 arrested as anti-govt protests hit Kenya
As anti-government protests swept Kenya, 11 people lost their lives while 567 were arrested, according to the National Police Service (NPS). Additionally, dozens, including police officials, were left injured during the demonstrations. The protests on Monday marked the 35th Saba Saba (seven-seven) anniversary -- July 7, 1990, protests that paved the way for Kenya's transition from a one-party state to a multiparty democracy. "Regrettably, preliminary reports indicate fatalities, injuries, damage to motor vehicles, and several incidents of looting. Additionally, a number of suspects have been arrested, including Gitonga Mukunji, MP for Manyatta Constituency," said the Kenyan police in a statement Additionally, the police mentioned that 52 police officers and 11 civilians were injured, and several vehicles were damaged during the violent protest. The NPS also commended its officers for demonstrating exceptional restraint and professionalism in the face of "sustained violence and provocation by criminals who infiltrated the protests." Meanwhile, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) on Monday expressed "human rights concerns" during the Saba Saba anniversary demonstrations. "The Commission noted that significant police barricades were erected on major roads and entry points, severely disrupting the movement of people, particularly in Nairobi. Additional blockades were reported in Kiambu, Meru, Kisii, Nyeri, Nakuru and Embu. Many citizens were unable to report to work, despite the directive issued yesterday by the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Geoffrey Ruku, requiring all Government employees to report to work without fail," read a statement issued by the human rights body. The human rights body accused the police officers of disregarding a High Court order by operating in several areas without their official uniforms during the demonstrations. "The KNCHR has noted that the police have continued to flagrantly disregard a High Court order mandating that all officers managing demonstrations be in official uniform and remain identifiable at all times. The Commission observed numerous hooded officers, not in uniform, travelling in unmarked vehicles while patrolling Nairobi, Kajiado and Nakuru counties," the statement read. Additionally, according to the human rights body, the "presence of criminal gangs wielding crude weapons," including whips, wooden clubs, machetes, spears, bows and arrows, was noted in Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado and Eldoret. "In Nairobi and Eldoret, these hooded gangs were seen operating alongside police officers," the statement added.
The Advertiser
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Capital lockdown as Kenya police clash with protesters
Police in Kenya have clashed with demonstrators during anti-government protests as the authorities block major roads leading into the capital and most businesses are closed. Protesters lit bonfires and hurled stones at police in roadblocks in Nairobi on Monday and police fired and hurled tear gas canisters, injuring one demonstrator. Kenyans had planned demonstrations on July 7 to protest police brutality, poor governance, and to demand President William Ruto's resignation over alleged corruption and the high cost of living. July 7 , known as Saba Saba, is a significant date in Kenya's recent history, marking the first major protests 35 years ago that called for a transition from a one-party state to a multi-party democracy, which was realised in the 1992 elections. Saba Saba is Swahili for Seven Seven, representing July 7. Police officers were stopping private and public vehicles from accessing the city centre. They were also blocking most pedestrians from entering the capital, only allowing through those deemed to have essential duties. Public Service Minister Geoffrey Ruku had urged all government employees to report to work on Monday, insisting the demonstrations would not disrupt public services. Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen said on Sunday the government would not tolerate violent protests and that police would be deployed to ensure public safety. The roads leading to the country's parliament and the president's office were barricaded using razor wire. In the outskirts of the city in Kitengela town, police fired tear gas on Monday to disperse protesters who had lit bonfires on the road that connects to neighbouring Tanzania. The country has recently experienced a wave of violent demonstrations, initially sparked by calls for police accountability following the death of a blogger in police custody. During protests on June 17, a civilian was shot at close range by police officers, further angering the public and prompting plans for additional demonstrations. On June 25, at least 16 people were killed and more than 400 injured during protests against police brutality, which were timed to coincide with the one-year anniversary of anti-tax protests where more than 60 people lost their lives. Police in Kenya have clashed with demonstrators during anti-government protests as the authorities block major roads leading into the capital and most businesses are closed. Protesters lit bonfires and hurled stones at police in roadblocks in Nairobi on Monday and police fired and hurled tear gas canisters, injuring one demonstrator. Kenyans had planned demonstrations on July 7 to protest police brutality, poor governance, and to demand President William Ruto's resignation over alleged corruption and the high cost of living. July 7 , known as Saba Saba, is a significant date in Kenya's recent history, marking the first major protests 35 years ago that called for a transition from a one-party state to a multi-party democracy, which was realised in the 1992 elections. Saba Saba is Swahili for Seven Seven, representing July 7. Police officers were stopping private and public vehicles from accessing the city centre. They were also blocking most pedestrians from entering the capital, only allowing through those deemed to have essential duties. Public Service Minister Geoffrey Ruku had urged all government employees to report to work on Monday, insisting the demonstrations would not disrupt public services. Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen said on Sunday the government would not tolerate violent protests and that police would be deployed to ensure public safety. The roads leading to the country's parliament and the president's office were barricaded using razor wire. In the outskirts of the city in Kitengela town, police fired tear gas on Monday to disperse protesters who had lit bonfires on the road that connects to neighbouring Tanzania. The country has recently experienced a wave of violent demonstrations, initially sparked by calls for police accountability following the death of a blogger in police custody. During protests on June 17, a civilian was shot at close range by police officers, further angering the public and prompting plans for additional demonstrations. On June 25, at least 16 people were killed and more than 400 injured during protests against police brutality, which were timed to coincide with the one-year anniversary of anti-tax protests where more than 60 people lost their lives. Police in Kenya have clashed with demonstrators during anti-government protests as the authorities block major roads leading into the capital and most businesses are closed. Protesters lit bonfires and hurled stones at police in roadblocks in Nairobi on Monday and police fired and hurled tear gas canisters, injuring one demonstrator. Kenyans had planned demonstrations on July 7 to protest police brutality, poor governance, and to demand President William Ruto's resignation over alleged corruption and the high cost of living. July 7 , known as Saba Saba, is a significant date in Kenya's recent history, marking the first major protests 35 years ago that called for a transition from a one-party state to a multi-party democracy, which was realised in the 1992 elections. Saba Saba is Swahili for Seven Seven, representing July 7. Police officers were stopping private and public vehicles from accessing the city centre. They were also blocking most pedestrians from entering the capital, only allowing through those deemed to have essential duties. Public Service Minister Geoffrey Ruku had urged all government employees to report to work on Monday, insisting the demonstrations would not disrupt public services. Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen said on Sunday the government would not tolerate violent protests and that police would be deployed to ensure public safety. The roads leading to the country's parliament and the president's office were barricaded using razor wire. In the outskirts of the city in Kitengela town, police fired tear gas on Monday to disperse protesters who had lit bonfires on the road that connects to neighbouring Tanzania. The country has recently experienced a wave of violent demonstrations, initially sparked by calls for police accountability following the death of a blogger in police custody. During protests on June 17, a civilian was shot at close range by police officers, further angering the public and prompting plans for additional demonstrations. On June 25, at least 16 people were killed and more than 400 injured during protests against police brutality, which were timed to coincide with the one-year anniversary of anti-tax protests where more than 60 people lost their lives. Police in Kenya have clashed with demonstrators during anti-government protests as the authorities block major roads leading into the capital and most businesses are closed. Protesters lit bonfires and hurled stones at police in roadblocks in Nairobi on Monday and police fired and hurled tear gas canisters, injuring one demonstrator. Kenyans had planned demonstrations on July 7 to protest police brutality, poor governance, and to demand President William Ruto's resignation over alleged corruption and the high cost of living. July 7 , known as Saba Saba, is a significant date in Kenya's recent history, marking the first major protests 35 years ago that called for a transition from a one-party state to a multi-party democracy, which was realised in the 1992 elections. Saba Saba is Swahili for Seven Seven, representing July 7. Police officers were stopping private and public vehicles from accessing the city centre. They were also blocking most pedestrians from entering the capital, only allowing through those deemed to have essential duties. Public Service Minister Geoffrey Ruku had urged all government employees to report to work on Monday, insisting the demonstrations would not disrupt public services. Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen said on Sunday the government would not tolerate violent protests and that police would be deployed to ensure public safety. The roads leading to the country's parliament and the president's office were barricaded using razor wire. In the outskirts of the city in Kitengela town, police fired tear gas on Monday to disperse protesters who had lit bonfires on the road that connects to neighbouring Tanzania. The country has recently experienced a wave of violent demonstrations, initially sparked by calls for police accountability following the death of a blogger in police custody. During protests on June 17, a civilian was shot at close range by police officers, further angering the public and prompting plans for additional demonstrations. On June 25, at least 16 people were killed and more than 400 injured during protests against police brutality, which were timed to coincide with the one-year anniversary of anti-tax protests where more than 60 people lost their lives.
Al-Ahram Weekly
6 days ago
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Police block roads, businesses close ahead of planned protests in Kenya - Africa
Police blocked major roads leading into Kenya's capital, Nairobi, and most businesses remained closed ahead of planned anti-government protests. Police officers were stopping private and public vehicles from accessing the city center. They were also blocking most pedestrians from entering the capital, only allowing through those deemed to have essential duties. Kenyans had planned demonstrations on July 7 to protest police brutality, poor governance, and to demand President William Ruto's resignation over alleged corruption and the high cost of living. July 7 is a significant date in Kenya's recent history, marking the first major protests 35 years ago that called for a transition from a one-party state to a multiparty democracy, which was realized in the 1992 elections. Public Service Minister Geoffrey Ruku had urged all government employees to report to work on Monday, insisting that the demonstrations would not disrupt public services. Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen said on Sunday that the government would not tolerate violent protests and that police would be deployed to ensure public safety. The roads leading to the country's parliament and the president's office were barricaded using razor wire. In the outskirts of the city in Kitengela town, police fired tear gas Monday to disperse protesters who had lit bonfires on the road that connects to neighboring Tanzania. The country has recently experienced a wave of violent demonstrations, initially sparked by calls for police accountability following the death of a blogger in police custody. During protests on June 17, a civilian was shot at close range by police officers, further angering the public and prompting plans for additional demonstrations. On June 25, at least 16 people were killed and more than 400 injured during protests against police brutality, which were timed to coincide with the one-year anniversary of anti-tax protests where over 60 people lost their lives. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Police block roads and businesses close ahead of planned protests in Kenya
Police block roads and businesses close ahead of planned protests in Kenya(AP Photo) Police blocked major roads leading into Kenya's capital, Nairobi, and most businesses remained closed ahead of planned anti-government protests. Police officers were stopping private and public vehicles from accessing the city center. They were also blocking most pedestrians from entering the capital, only allowing through those deemed to have essential duties. Kenyans had planned demonstrations on July 7 to protest police brutality, poor governance, and to demand President William Ruto's resignation over alleged corruption and the high cost of living. July 7 is a significant date in Kenya's recent history, marking the first major protests 35 years ago that called for a transition from a one-party state to a multiparty democracy, which was realised in the 1992 elections. Public Service Minister Geoffrey Ruku had urged all government employees to report to work on Monday, insisting that the demonstrations would not disrupt public services. Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen said on Sunday that the government would not tolerate violent protests and that police would be deployed to ensure public safety. The roads leading to the country's parliament and the president's office were barricaded using razor wire. In the outskirts of the city in Kitengela town, police fired tear gas Monday to disperse protesters who had lit bonfires on the road that connects to neighbouring Tanzania. The country has recently experienced a wave of violent demonstrations, initially sparked by calls for police accountability following the death of a blogger in police custody. During protests on June 17, a civilian was shot at close range by police officers, further angering the public and prompting plans for additional demonstrations. On June 25, at least 16 people were killed and more than 400 injured during protests against police brutality, which were timed to coincide with the one-year anniversary of anti-tax protests where over 60 people lost their lives.
The Advertiser
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Police block roads before planned protests in Kenya
Police are blocking major roads leading into Kenya's capital and most businesses remain closed before planned anti-government protests. Police officers on Monday were stopping private and public vehicles from accessing the city centre in Nairobi. They were also blocking most pedestrians from entering the capital, only allowing through those deemed to have essential duties. Kenyans had planned demonstrations on July 7 to protest police brutality, poor governance, and to demand President William Ruto's resignation over alleged corruption and the high cost of living. July 7 is a significant date in Kenya's recent history, marking the first major protests 35 years ago that called for a transition from a one-party state to a multi-party democracy, which was realised in the 1992 elections. Public Service Minister Geoffrey Ruku had urged all government employees to report to work on Monday, insisting the demonstrations would not disrupt public services. Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen said on Sunday that the government would not tolerate violent protests and that police would be deployed to ensure public safety. The roads leading to the country's parliament and the president's office were barricaded using razor wire. In the outskirts of the city in Kitengela town, police fired tear gas on Monday to disperse protesters who had lit bonfires on the road that connects to neighbouring Tanzania. The country has recently experienced a wave of violent demonstrations, initially sparked by calls for police accountability following the death of a blogger in police custody. During protests on June 17, a civilian was shot at close range by police officers, further angering the public and prompting plans for additional demonstrations. On June 25, at least 16 people were killed and more than 400 injured during protests against police brutality, which were timed to coincide with the one-year anniversary of anti-tax protests where more than 60 people lost their lives. Police are blocking major roads leading into Kenya's capital and most businesses remain closed before planned anti-government protests. Police officers on Monday were stopping private and public vehicles from accessing the city centre in Nairobi. They were also blocking most pedestrians from entering the capital, only allowing through those deemed to have essential duties. Kenyans had planned demonstrations on July 7 to protest police brutality, poor governance, and to demand President William Ruto's resignation over alleged corruption and the high cost of living. July 7 is a significant date in Kenya's recent history, marking the first major protests 35 years ago that called for a transition from a one-party state to a multi-party democracy, which was realised in the 1992 elections. Public Service Minister Geoffrey Ruku had urged all government employees to report to work on Monday, insisting the demonstrations would not disrupt public services. Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen said on Sunday that the government would not tolerate violent protests and that police would be deployed to ensure public safety. The roads leading to the country's parliament and the president's office were barricaded using razor wire. In the outskirts of the city in Kitengela town, police fired tear gas on Monday to disperse protesters who had lit bonfires on the road that connects to neighbouring Tanzania. The country has recently experienced a wave of violent demonstrations, initially sparked by calls for police accountability following the death of a blogger in police custody. During protests on June 17, a civilian was shot at close range by police officers, further angering the public and prompting plans for additional demonstrations. On June 25, at least 16 people were killed and more than 400 injured during protests against police brutality, which were timed to coincide with the one-year anniversary of anti-tax protests where more than 60 people lost their lives. Police are blocking major roads leading into Kenya's capital and most businesses remain closed before planned anti-government protests. Police officers on Monday were stopping private and public vehicles from accessing the city centre in Nairobi. They were also blocking most pedestrians from entering the capital, only allowing through those deemed to have essential duties. Kenyans had planned demonstrations on July 7 to protest police brutality, poor governance, and to demand President William Ruto's resignation over alleged corruption and the high cost of living. July 7 is a significant date in Kenya's recent history, marking the first major protests 35 years ago that called for a transition from a one-party state to a multi-party democracy, which was realised in the 1992 elections. Public Service Minister Geoffrey Ruku had urged all government employees to report to work on Monday, insisting the demonstrations would not disrupt public services. Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen said on Sunday that the government would not tolerate violent protests and that police would be deployed to ensure public safety. The roads leading to the country's parliament and the president's office were barricaded using razor wire. In the outskirts of the city in Kitengela town, police fired tear gas on Monday to disperse protesters who had lit bonfires on the road that connects to neighbouring Tanzania. The country has recently experienced a wave of violent demonstrations, initially sparked by calls for police accountability following the death of a blogger in police custody. During protests on June 17, a civilian was shot at close range by police officers, further angering the public and prompting plans for additional demonstrations. On June 25, at least 16 people were killed and more than 400 injured during protests against police brutality, which were timed to coincide with the one-year anniversary of anti-tax protests where more than 60 people lost their lives. Police are blocking major roads leading into Kenya's capital and most businesses remain closed before planned anti-government protests. Police officers on Monday were stopping private and public vehicles from accessing the city centre in Nairobi. They were also blocking most pedestrians from entering the capital, only allowing through those deemed to have essential duties. Kenyans had planned demonstrations on July 7 to protest police brutality, poor governance, and to demand President William Ruto's resignation over alleged corruption and the high cost of living. July 7 is a significant date in Kenya's recent history, marking the first major protests 35 years ago that called for a transition from a one-party state to a multi-party democracy, which was realised in the 1992 elections. Public Service Minister Geoffrey Ruku had urged all government employees to report to work on Monday, insisting the demonstrations would not disrupt public services. Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen said on Sunday that the government would not tolerate violent protests and that police would be deployed to ensure public safety. The roads leading to the country's parliament and the president's office were barricaded using razor wire. In the outskirts of the city in Kitengela town, police fired tear gas on Monday to disperse protesters who had lit bonfires on the road that connects to neighbouring Tanzania. The country has recently experienced a wave of violent demonstrations, initially sparked by calls for police accountability following the death of a blogger in police custody. During protests on June 17, a civilian was shot at close range by police officers, further angering the public and prompting plans for additional demonstrations. On June 25, at least 16 people were killed and more than 400 injured during protests against police brutality, which were timed to coincide with the one-year anniversary of anti-tax protests where more than 60 people lost their lives.
