Finance Bill Protests: 5 Shot Dead, 13 Nursing Gunshot Injuries in Various Hospitals, Medics Confirm

 

Anti riot police during anti finance demos

Five people including a medical officer have been shot dead as 13 others nurse gunshots wounds in various hospitals in the country according to a statement by the Kenya Medical Association (KMA). One medical doctor was among five people shot dead during the Anti-Finance Bill protests. What else did the medical association say? In a joint statement with other lobby groups, KMA stated that a medical officer was among those shot dead while treating injured protesters. They further stated that a total of 31 people were injured during the Occupy Parliament demonstrations on Tuesday, June 25. Among the 31 injured, 13 were shot with live bullets, four with rubber bullets, and three were hit with launcher canisters. Eleven others sustained minor injuries. The groups also condemned widespread abductions and arrests of individuals who participated in the protests. "Over the last 24 hours there were 21 abductions and disappearances by uniformed and uniformed police officers. Among them are Shadrack Kiprono (released), Kevin Monari, Zadock Nyamari Monari, Gabriel Oguda, Andrew Mwangi, John Frank Ngemi, Avugwi Chagusia, Chebet Kirui (Nakuru), Brian Nzavi, Harriet Nyongesa, Chebet Kirui, and Ernest Nyerere (released)," the statement read in part. They further urged the state and all parties involved to cease the use of lethal force to prevent further loss of life. Additionally, they called on the state to stop threatening mass media houses and condemned the police officers for shooting at the medical center at Holy Basilica. "Again, the use of live bullets must stop. Safe passage for all emergency services to evacuate and treat the many wounded is urgent. Several protesters shot outside parliament building Earlier, TUKO.co.ke reported that peaceful protests against the Finance Bill escalated into chaos after a majority of Kenya Kwanza MPs passed the controversial 2024 Finance Bill, advancing it to the next stage. Angry youths overpowered police forces as they tried to access the National Assembly following the passage of the controversial Bill by MPs. In response, police resorted to using live ammunition to scatter the protesters. Sadly, at least two bodies were seen outside the parliament building as authorities intensified efforts to regain control. 

by  Faith Chandianya