The situation in Kisii has intensified with reports of casualties and injuries amid ongoing protests. County Governor Simba Arati confirmed that a male protester with gunshot wounds was brought to Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital.
As of Wednesday, around 30 protesters were receiving treatment at the facility, including two with gunshot injuries requiring surgery.
Additionally, an expectant woman was admitted with injuries during the protests, though it’s unclear if she was involved in the demonstrations. Among those treated is also a Form Four student who was preparing to return to school.
Governor Arati mentioned that security challenges persisted, with reports of suspected individuals vandalizing and looting businesses. However, formal briefings from security agencies on the demonstrations were still awaited.
“Some (protesters)are said to be new in this town indicating a possibility they came from other quarters to cause mayhem here,” the Governor told journalists after visiting the patients at the referral wards.
He was accompanied by ward reps Steve Arika (Ibeno), Peter Otachi (Monyerero) Ibrahim Ongubo ( Bobaracho) and Monyenye Yoge (Kisii Central)
Arati spoke of massive looting and condemned the abortive raid by protesters on an MP’s residence.
“It should not get there our people, they may have voted yes to the contentious Finance Bill but we cannot sink low as to begin torching their property. They are our leaders still,” he told the residents.
The situation at Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital during the protests escalated dramatically, with doctors reporting the firing of tear gas canisters inside the facility, causing panic among patients and staff.
Dr. Oimeke Marita noted that smoke from burning tires outside forced them to relocate patients from the Intensive Care Units to safer areas temporarily. Additionally, an ambulance responding to an emergency was attacked with stones during the chaotic events.
Governor Simba Arati suggested that the protests may have been infiltrated by street urchins, calling for their rehabilitation. He also called upon political leaders from Kisii who supported the Finance Bill to seek forgiveness from the public, reflecting on the contentious nature of the legislation that sparked the demonstrations.
“Even the president has asked for forgiveness, do not harden your hearts go to your people and ask for forgiveness,” he said.
He, however, congratulated the Gen Z protesters saying they have awakened the conscience of the nation and the protest’s impact would reverberate far into the future.
“It is hats off, let’s us listen to them,” he said.
He told small-scale traders whose businesses were looted by vandals that his administration would help them recover from the losses.
About 15 women were affected during the plunder from suspected goons.
