Kenya's Interior Minister Accuses Protesters of Coup Attempt Amid Deadly Demonstrations

Government Accusations of Overthrow

• 🇰🇪 Kenya's Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen accused protesters of an unconstitutional attempt to change the regime.
• ⚠️ Murkomen described the demonstrations as terrorism disguised as dissent, condemning criminal anarchists for violence, looting, sexual assault, and destruction.

Deadly Demonstrations and Casualties

• 💔 At least 10 people were killed in Wednesday's unrest, according to Murkomen, with youth-led demonstrations escalating to looting and arson.
• 🩸 Amnesty Kenya reported at least 16 deaths, all from gunshots, suspected to have been fired by police.
• 🏛️ Murkomen stated that police were forced to hold back crowds attempting to approach Parliament and State House, the president's residence.

Protest Movement Response

• 🗣️ A prominent figure in the protest movement suggested Murkomen's remarks were an attempt to shift attention away from the real issues.

Background of Protests

• 🗓️ Thousands participated in demonstrations initially called to mark the anniversary of last year's anti-government protests.
• 😔 The protests were amplified by public anger over the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody earlier in June.