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State to support families of deceased and the injured in anti-govt demos

Protesters assist one of their own to seek medical assistance after he was shot during the Tuesday, July 2, 2024, demonstrations in the Nairorbi CBD. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)

By Maureen Kinyanjui | Friday, July 5, 2024

While addressing the nation from the State House, he sympathised with those who got injured and are recovering, and he further expressed his condolences to all who lost their lives.

President Wiliam Ruto said on Friday that the government will support those who lost their lives and were injured.

While addressing the nation from the State House, he sympathised with those who got injured and are recovering, and he further expressed his condolences to all who lost their lives.

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"To the many others who lost their lives, I sent my condolences to the family. The government will support all those who have lost their lives and all those who have been injured," Ruto emphasised.

According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), at least 39 people died and 361 were injured during the countrywide anti-Finance Bill protests.

The Commission said the data was recorded from June 18 to July 1, 2024.

KNCHR chairperson Roseline Odede said the postmortem for most of the victims has yet to be conducted.

The chairperson raised concern that demonstrations that started peacefully on the first day turned chaotic on June 25.

"The demonstrations resulted in several deaths, injuries, and property damage," she said.

KNCHR said the deceased victims are from Nairobi (17), Nakuru (3), Laikipia (1), Narok (1), Kajiado (3), Uasin Gishu (4), Kakamega (1), Kisumu (2), Kisii (1), Mombasa (3), Siaya (1), Kiambu (1), and Nandi (1).

Despite the tragedy, the Head of State noted that the fracas have led the country to have deep and serious conversations on ways to address issues of concern.

The move comes a day after he hosted an emergency Cabinet meeting over the anti-Finance Bill protests.

The meeting also follows weeks of protests as youths express dissatisfaction with Ruto's regime.

Among the demands issued by the Gen Zs was for the president to crack the whip on government officials who were either linked with corruption cases or performed poorly in the past two years.

Despite the piling pressure, some observers have said that the protests could be a blessing in disguise for the Head of State, as he will have an opportunity to restructure his administration.