Protests have erupted across various counties in President William Ruto’s Rift Valley stronghold. Youths, predominantly from Generation Z, are demanding accountability and good governance from their county governors.
The protests have been marked by confrontations with police, injuries, and occasional violence.
In Nakuru, a peaceful protest quickly turned chaotic when police fired teargas to disperse the crowd. Protesters had gathered along Kenyatta Avenue, intending to march to the office of Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika.
The situation escalated when a 26-year-old man was shot with a rubber bullet outside a bank. His brother, who wished to remain anonymous, said they were heading to the bank when the incident occurred, leaving the man with serious injuries.
Another protester sustained a head injury during the five-hour melee. James Mbugua, a person living with a disability, was teargassed while calling for an end to the killing of innocent lives.
"Stop the killing of youths! No more killing Mr. President!" Mbugua shouted as he raised his crutches.
Narok County experienced significant violence when one person was seriously injured after being struck on the head with a club.
This incident occurred during a clash between two groups of youths—one supporting and one opposing the protests.
The injured man, identified as Sammy Woiyie, was in the crowd planning the demonstrations when he was attacked. He was taken to the Narok County Referral Hospital for treatment.
Narok Central Police Commander John Mumanyi confirmed the arrest of two individuals involved in the attack. However, the victim has yet to record a statement.
Jackson Sairowua, a local youth leader, condemned the violence, stating that some elements with political backing were hijacking the demonstrations and turning them violent.
In President Ruto’s home county of Uasin Gishu, heavy police presence deterred youths from taking to the streets. The county remained relatively calm compared to neighboring regions.
In Eldoret town, armed police officers patrolled the streets as youths briefly marched peacefully in the Central Business District, raising anxiety among the business community.
Businesses continued without interruption, and the county headquarters were deserted as staff stayed away, fearing protests.
In Baringo County, police used teargas to disperse protesters attempting to enter Governor Benjamin Cheboi’s office in Kabarnet town.
Initially, the protestors marched peacefully to the county headquarters, intending to present their petition. However, they encountered a closed gate and attempted to force their way in, prompting the police to intervene.
Kericho town witnessed high tension as anti-government protesters clashed with vigilantes allegedly hired by local leaders.
The confrontation took place at the KCC roundabout, where county government critics expressed their frustration over the hiring of goons to intimidate protesters.
Charles Letule, a boda-boda rider, criticized Governor Erick Mutai for not addressing the residents’ concerns directly.
The protesters accused the governor of failing to block the use of mechanized tea harvesting machines and allowing corruption in the Kazi Mtaani program.
In Kitale, a handful of youths staged a peaceful demonstration against the Kenya Kwanza government.
The governor's office and High Court premises were secured by armed police officers, following reports that a local politician had hired goons to storm Governor George Natembeya’s office.
The youths marched in a procession around the Central Business District as police watched from a distance.
Lodwar saw clashes between groups supporting and opposing the protests. A protester was injured in the Kanamkemer area when youths opposed to the demonstrations attacked him.
Police intervened to prevent further chaos, dispersing the groups to restore order.
Human rights activists condemned the excessive use of force by police officers during the protests. Masese Kemunche, a human rights activist with the Centre for Enhancing Democracy and Good Governance (CEDGG), criticized the police for their heavy-handed approach.
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