At least 200 people sustained injuries during Thursday’s demonstrations in Nairobi, according to a joint statement by Amnesty International and five other human rights organizations.
The injuries reported include soft tissue injuries and inhalation of tear gas, with approximately 50 individuals requiring transfer to specialized medical facilities in Nairobi for further treatment.
The protests were organized in opposition to the Finance Bill, which has sparked widespread discontent across the country.
The groups involved in the statement are the Kenya Medical Association, Law Society of Kenya, Defenders Coalition, Independent Medical Legal Unit, and Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.
Reports indicate that five individuals suffered injuries from rubber bullets, tear gas canisters, and baton charges, while six others were injured by vehicles during police dispersals.
“Live shootings were confirmed with the recovery of spent cartridges,” the joint statement reads.
The groups also reported that 35 individuals were arrested across various counties during the protests, with Nairobi recording the highest number at 20. Other counties where arrests occurred include Garissa (1), Kisumu (3), Vihiga (4), Narok (4), Uasin Gishu (1), and Nakuru (2).
Protests were reported in a total of 19 counties, including Nyeri, Nakuru, Kisumu, Uasin Gishu (Eldoret), Isiolo, Kisii, Laikipia (Nanyuki), and Kilifi, among others such as Garissa, Kiambu (Thika), Kakamega, Nairobi, Meru, Kericho, Kirinyaga, Mombasa, Embu, Machakos, and Migori.
According to the organizations, the demonstrations were largely peaceful. They commended the protesters for their restraint despite alleged provocations by the police, who reportedly used tear gas and water cannons.
In their statement, they called on law enforcement agencies to refrain from using excessive force, intimidation, and making unlawful arrests. They also urged all parties involved, including protest organizers and the public, to report any incidents related to the protests.
“We advise all protest organizers, protestors, and the public to report incidents, continue using our helplines below, and check our social media platforms for more resources,” the statement further reads.
