Kenyans take to the streets for protest anniversary

Thousands person taken to the streets successful Kenya to people a twelvemonth since antigovernment protests culminated successful the storming of Parliament, contempt fears they would beryllium confronted by state-backed gangs and constabulary violence.

According to rights groups, astatine slightest 60 radical were killed past twelvemonth by information forces during weeks of protests implicit taxation increases and the dire economical concern facing young Kenyans, reaching a climax erstwhile thousands stormed Parliament connected June 25.

Activists and families of victims had called for peaceful anniversary marches, but immoderate alternatively urged radical to “occupy State House” – a notation to the authoritative residence of President William Ruto – and galore schools and businesses were closed amid fears of unrest.

Police blocked main roads starring to the capital’s concern district, and authorities buildings were barricaded with razor wire.

The marches were mostly peaceful aboriginal connected Wednesday, with protesters – mostly young men – waving Kenyan flags, roses, and placards bearing pictures of those killed past year, portion chanting “Ruto indispensable go”.

In Nairobi, determination were signs of violence, with immoderate protesters throwing stones and constabulary firing teardrop gas.

Protests were besides reported successful Mombasa and respective different counties.

Anger has intensified implicit constabulary brutality, particularly aft a teacher was killed successful custody earlier this month.

A radical of peaceful protesters was besides attacked past week by a pack of motorbike-riding “goons”, arsenic they are known successful Kenya, equipped with whips and clubs and acting successful tandem with the police.