Amnesty Kenya: 16 Dead in Anti-Government Protests, Most Killed by Police

Protest Deaths and Allegations

• 🕯️ Amnesty Kenya reported that 16 people were verified dead during nationwide anti-government protests on Wednesday.
• 👮 The executive director of Amnesty Kenya stated that most of those who died were killed by police.
• 🌍 These figures were verified by the Global Rights Watchdog and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).

Official Statements and Police Response

• 📊 The government-funded KNCHR initially reported eight deaths and noted allegations of excessive use of force by police, including rubber bullets and live ammunition.
• 👥 KNCHR also reported over 400 casualties, encompassing demonstrators, police officers, and journalists.
• 🔇 Kenya's police spokesperson declined to comment on the statements from Amnesty Kenya and KNCHR.
• ⚖️ The independent policing oversight authority stated that at least 61 people were arrested during the protests.

Context of Recent Protests

• 🗓️ These protests follow similar demonstrations a year prior against a tax bill, which resulted in over 60 deaths.
• 📉 Public anger persists over the excessive use of force by security agencies, fueled by recent events including the death of a blogger in police custody.