ODM party has stated that one of its senior members was among those affected by last week’s anti-finance bill protests. According to a statement on its official platform, ODM reported that nominated MCA Catherine Okoth was caught in the demonstrations last Tuesday while leaving the CBD.
The party claimed that she was subsequently assaulted by the protesters.
“She has been treated together with her driver and discharged. They suffered severe injuries. She underwent a head surgery,” ODM said.
Replying to a viral video on X earlier, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna said the subject vehicle belonged to Okoth.
In a video seen by the Star, a mob was seen surrounding her alleged vehicle hitting it with stones and sticks as some tried to access its interior through the windows.
“This vehicle belongs to Hon Catherine Okoth. She is a nominated MCA and the Chairlady of ODM in Nairobi. She was badly hurt in this incident and is currently recovering from surgery at Nairobi Hospital,” Sifuna said.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights on Monday said at least 39 people have died and 361 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 raised concern that demonstrations which started as peaceful on the first day turned chaotic on June 25.
“The demonstrations resulted in several deaths, injuries and property damage,” she said.
She 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).
Odede said there were 32 cases of enforced or involuntary disappearances and 627 instances of arrests of protestors.
The KNCHR chair said the Commission notes that several others indicated being in hiding due to threats on their lives by unknown persons.
Odede condemned the violent and shocking acts of lawlessness exhibited by some of the protestors.
Our Nairobi Women Leader Hon. Catherine Okoth who was caught up in last Tuesday demonstrations as she was driving out of the CBD & attacked by the protesters, has been treated together with her driver and discharged. They suffered severe injuries. She underwent a head surgery.
— The ODM Party (@TheODMparty) July 2, 2024
