Doctors and rights groups said that at least eight people were killed and 400 were wounded in the country’s protests in Kenya against the government of President William Roto.
The police clashed with the demonstrators, who walked with their thousands – some of them chanting “Roto must go” and the branches wave as a symbol of the peaceful opposition to his rule.
The government banned the direct coverage of television and radio for the demonstrations, but its decree was canceled by the Supreme Court in the capital, Nairobi.
Roto urged the demonstrators not to threaten peace and stability, as the crowds tried to reach his official residence, but were paid by the police.
“The protests should not be to destroy peace in Kenya. We do not have another country that we go to when things get worse. We are responsible for maintaining the integrity of our country,” he said.
The president was speaking at a burial in the coastal province of Kalifi.
His absence from the state’s house, his official residence, was noticeable as the young demonstrators threatened to storm it.
Police used barricades and shaving wires to close the main roads – especially those that lead to the country’s home and parliament.
The protests were held exactly a year after the demonstrators stormed parliament, putting part of the building.
At least 60 people were killed in a wave of anti -government protests last year.
The authorities have not yet granted any personalities from Wednesday, but the Kenyan Medical Association, the Law Association in Kenya and the police reform group in a joint statement that at least eight demonstrators were killed.
Of the 400 people were injured, 83 “specialized transactions” needed and eight had gunly wounds. The statement added that the injured included three police officers.
Amina Mood BBC told that she joined the protests “to fight for the future of my children.”
“I feel like a country we will not go in the right direction, especially in education and everything that happens.
“I feel the time has come for the country and leadership.”
The video footage showed columns of white tear gas drifting between the buildings in Naroubi, which led to the stampede of the demonstrators for covering, coughing and protecting their eyes.
In the heart of the city, the demonstrators went on to stores and empty streets.
The fence is lined around Parliament with wreaths and handwritten notes from sad families and challenging youth – reminding of disturbances last year on the site.
A young woman in a Kenyan flag held a poster bearing the names of those who were killed a year ago by the security forces while trying to end the protests.
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2025-06-25 17:56:00