Protests turn chaotic in Nairobi CBD, several rushed to KNH
The protests, marked by high tension and heavy police deployment across Nairobi and other towns, quickly escalated into violent confrontations, with videos showing wounded demonstrators being wheeled into KNH’s casualty department around midday.
Several Gen Z protesters were rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital on Wednesday after being injured during the first anniversary of the deadly June 25, 2024, anti-Finance Bill protests. Some reportedly have gunshot wounds.
The protests, marked by high tension and heavy police deployment across Nairobi and other towns, quickly escalated into violent confrontations, with videos showing wounded demonstrators being wheeled into KNH’s casualty department around midday.
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At least five visibly injured protesters were captured arriving at the facility by ambulance, though the exact number of admissions remained unclear.
“He was hit by a canister on the cheek - all his jaws are out and can be seen,” said a protester who accompanied one of the injured, declining to give his name.
Other demonstrators were reported to have been taken to different hospitals across the city with various injuries linked to police action.
The protests, initially intended to honour the more than 60 lives lost in last year’s demonstrations, turned chaotic as police fired teargas in multiple locations.
Hundreds of demonstrators flooded the streets of Nairobi, bringing business operations to a standstill while engaging police in running battles.
Despite waves of tear gas and intimidation, protesters remained determined, chanting and holding placards against police brutality.
Among those teargassed was former Chief Justice David Maraga and Busia Senator Okiya Omtata, who joined the Nairobi marchers and urged for peaceful resistance.
In a rare and powerful moment of humanity amid the clashes, a female police officer suffered a serious head injury on Banda Street during confrontations in the CBD.
Protesters, led by human rights defender Hussein Khalid of Vocal Africa, rushed to assist her and carried her to a nearby St. John Ambulance vehicle.
“We’re unsure whether it was a tear gas canister or a stone that hit her, but what matters is that protestors stepped in to save her life,” Khalid said.
As helicopters circled overhead and more streets were sealed off, the standoff between protesters and police continued.
The protests are not only a remembrance but a renewed call for justice. A year since the 2024 bloodshed, no police officer has been held responsible for the deaths, a reality that has deepened public anger and frustration, especially among youth and rights groups.
President William Ruto is currently in Kilifi County attending the burial of Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro’s father, Mzee Mung’aro Senior, as the protests unfolded in several parts of the country.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, also present at the funeral, had on Tuesday urged Gen Z demonstrators to avoid violence during their commemorations.
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