Kenya's interior minister rejected claims that police used extreme force during deadly Wednesday protests. Kipchumba Murkomen described the demonstrations as terrorism hidden behind peaceful dissent. He praised security forces for showing restraint against what he called an attempted coup. At least 10 people died and more than 400 others suffered injuries during the violence. About 300 police officers also sustained wounds during the clashes.
Protesters attacked nine police stations across the country and burned five of them completely. Demonstrators stole five firearms and destroyed dozens of vehicles belonging to police and civilians. Murkomen condemned what he termed criminal anarchists who used peaceful demonstrations as cover for violence and looting. Rights group Amnesty International reported 16 deaths from gunshot wounds rather than the government's count of 10. Investigators continue examining the exact number of casualties and circumstances surrounding the violence.
David Mwangi, a 19-year-old from Nairobi, was shot dead during the protests. His mother said he had gone to collect his younger brother from tutoring classes. Student Dennis Njuguna, age 17, died from gunfire in Molo after school ended. His mother expressed devastation over losing her son who was finishing his final year. Thousands marched across Kenya demanding President William Ruto step down and calling for an end to police brutality against citizens.
Protesters attacked nine police stations across the country and burned five of them completely. Demonstrators stole five firearms and destroyed dozens of vehicles belonging to police and civilians. Murkomen condemned what he termed criminal anarchists who used peaceful demonstrations as cover for violence and looting. Rights group Amnesty International reported 16 deaths from gunshot wounds rather than the government's count of 10. Investigators continue examining the exact number of casualties and circumstances surrounding the violence.
David Mwangi, a 19-year-old from Nairobi, was shot dead during the protests. His mother said he had gone to collect his younger brother from tutoring classes. Student Dennis Njuguna, age 17, died from gunfire in Molo after school ended. His mother expressed devastation over losing her son who was finishing his final year. Thousands marched across Kenya demanding President William Ruto step down and calling for an end to police brutality against citizens.
