Kenyan streets have recently seen a tumultuous wave of deadly protests, with dozens losing their lives in clashes with police. This unrest began tragically with the shooting of 30-year-old Rex Masai.
These killings have severely damaged public trust in the police’s ability to maintain order. As new protests loom, anxieties rise over how security forces will react.
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Esther Passaris speaks
Many Kenyans have been roped into the colliquy of the demonstrations over the weeks.
Yesterday’s protests saw police hurl teargas into residential areas; where they believed goons were hiding.
However, their actions of storming into such areas has been condemned by Esther Passaris.
She has termed the action as abuse of power on innocent children and women.
Passaris shared a heartbreaking video showing a young mother trying to hide from police who were dispersing protestors.
”Very sad. I lack words. Shame. Shame. Shame. Kenya Police Force you are out of line. Totally out of line. Shame on you. Residential areas should be out of bound for water canons; tear gas and live ammunition. You have gone overboard. STOP this abuse of power on innocent women and children,” she wrote on X.
Kenyans outraged
Kenyans have been taking to the streets to demonstrate against the government, corrupt leaders, increased taxes, among other things. While the first protest remained peaceful, tensions flared on the second day.
Demonstrators are becoming more vocal as police continue using water cannons, tear gas and live ammunition.
Rex Masai became an unfortunate victim of this shift. Shot in the thigh, he bled to death despite the desperate efforts of his friend, Ian Njuguna.
Facing mounting pressure for justice, authorities have announced at least four police officers will be prosecuted for the fatal shootings of protestors over the past month. However, investigations into these incidents are proving challenging