At least eight people were killed and 207 injured in Wednesday’s June 25 protests across the country.
The protests were called to commemorate the 2024 Finance Bill protests in which more than 60 people were killed.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) said a number of injuries among police officers were also documented.
There were at least 61 suspected protestors across the country.
Further, there was infiltration of demonstrations by goons.
This led to looting of property in many places.
Those killed were shot in Nairobi, Emali, Molo and other parts of the country.
The protests were held in 24 counties and later turned chaotic. Property were looted and others destroyed.
Many roads were blocked for hours as groups flocked there to air their anger and frustration against the government.
IPOA said they deployed officers to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Situation Room to strengthen bilateral collaboration between the two institutions in monitoring interventions.
So far, the Authority has recorded:
IPOA said there was extensive damage to private and public property and the monitoring team documented the use of excessive and varied force by police officers, including live ammunition, tear gas, water cannons, whips, and batons, among other measures.
“Police officers concealed their identities contrary to the law. Interruption of free movement and normal public service operations including public transport, policing services, and commercial activities,” IPOA said in a statement.
Consequently, IPOA has taken up preliminary enquiries into the various concern areas and will expedite investigations into cases where excessive force was documented during the public order management of the protests.
Separately, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) recorded 8 fatalities during the demonstrations that marked the first anniversary of anti-Finance Bill 2024 protests.
KNCHR Vice Chairperson Dr. Raymond Nyeris, revealed that the deaths resulted from six different Counties: Machakos (2), Makueni (2), Nakuru (1), Kiambu (1), Uasin Gishu (1) and Nyandarua (1).
KNCHR also reported over 400 casualties, including protesters, police officers and journalists. Out of this, the majority have been treated and discharged, with 83 being referred for specialised treatment.
Further, 61 individuals were detained at different police stations countrywide, most of them in Nairobi County.
Owing to the chaos experienced in the protests, KNCHR received information of criminal elements that infiltrated the demonstrations.
“The Commission received information of infiltration of the demonstrations by Criminal Elements and Destruction of Property. Credible reports of “hired goons” infiltrating protests in Eldoret, Mombasa, Nairobi, Nakuru, Nyeri, Kajiado and Kisumu,” the statement read in part.
“These groups have engaged in violence, looting and property destruction.”
In addition, the Commission condemned the directive by the Communications Authority of Kenya for all media houses to stop live broadcasts of the protests, citing that it violated the public’s right to access information.
“The Commission will continue to monitor the situation and provide timely updates on the promotion and protection of Human Rights in the country during this period,” said the commission.
A group of protesters who attempted to march to State House was dispersed and chased by anti-riot police as the June 25 protests went on Wednesday.
The group mostly of University of Nairobi students had gathered outside State House Girls where police had laid a razor wire and tried to breach it.
But the officers dispersed them using teargas canisters.
Another group has engaged police along Kenyatta Avenue and All Saints Cathedral for the better part of the afternoon.
Others also destroyed statues at Uhuru Park and dragged them to Kenyatta Avenue.
At least one person was shot dead in Molo. Another unknown number of people were shot at Olkalau, Kikuyu and Matuu police stations as they attempted to breach the premises.
Major businesses were looted on Wednesday during June 25 protests in Nairobi.
Parts of Luthuli Avenue and River Roads were targeted by goons who infiltrated the protests.
Police concentrated in keeping other parts of the city safe engaging the protestors in running battles.
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