Kenya Protests Turn Deadly: 16 Killed, Businesses Destroyed in Nationwide Unrest
Breaking: Kenya Erupts in Chaos
- 16 Dead: Amnesty International confirms fatalities, many from gunshot wounds
- Economic Devastation: Thousands of businesses looted/burned in Nairobi’s CBD
- Police Brutality Claims: Rights groups accuse security forces of excessive force
What Sparked the Violence?
- Anniversary Protests:
- Marked one year since anti-tax demonstrations turned deadly
- 2023 clashes saw parliament stormed, dozens killed
- Economic Anger:
- Fury over high taxes, corruption, stagnation under President Ruto
- Recent police killing of a teacher added fuel
- Descent into Chaos:
- Peaceful marches devolved into arson, looting, street battles
- Govt ordered media blackout as destruction spread
Human Toll & Fallout
- Victims: Mostly young protesters; 83+ seriously injured
- Business Losses:
- Print shop owner: “$150K in machines gone”
- Perfume store: “Looted completely”
- Global Condemnation:
- Amnesty: “Police used excessive force”
- Vocal Africa: “All deaths from gunshots”
Political Backlash
- Govt Response: Labels protesters “terrorists” (Interior Minister Murkomen)
- Public Outcry: “You protest police killings… they kill more” (rights groups)
