LIVE BLOG: Maandamano Tuesday As Kenyan Youth Take To The Streets Again

The protests take place despite President William Ruto's drastic actions that include dissolving his entire Cabinet

Viral Tea Ke Writer Viral Tea Ke Writer
Jul 16, 2024 - 14:08 Updated: Jul 16, 2024 - 17:51
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LIVE BLOG: Maandamano Tuesday As Kenyan Youth Take To The Streets Again
Kenyans during a past protest in Nairobi. /FILE

The country is braced for another round of anti-government protests dubbed 'Total Shutdown Tuesday' poised for Tuesday, July 16.

Following the violent demonstrations that erupted in Nairobi, Mombasa and other towns on Tuesday, July 2, there is a sense of caution among those intending to participate in the protests today following reports of chaos and casualties.

The protests take place despite President William Ruto's drastic actions that include dissolving his entire Cabinet sparing only Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and vowing to eliminate the offices of the first and second ladies, as well as the office of the prime cabinet secretary's spouse.

This is a pivotal moment as Ruto's administration is seeking to save face by addressing some of the demands raised by the youth during the protests.

A protester navigates teargas in Nairobi CBD. /AL JAZEERA

The protest organisers' call to action, shared widely on social media, is emphatic: “If you can't protest, stay home in memory of the heroes we have lost in the peaceful protests, and in solidarity with the GenZs who are fighting for a better Kenya.”

The unrest began in response to the Finance Bill 2024, which had threatened to impose a slew of punitive taxes to further damage the spending power of the ordinary mwananchi. However, since the protests began, a grim toll has emerged with 41 lives lost and over 600 arrests made.

The protests today are expected to take a charged turn following reports of the discovery of bodies in Kware, Mukuru kwa Njenga, with Kenyans demanding answers from authorities, despite the arrest of a key suspect in the heinous killings.

Keep refreshing this page as Viral Tea provides you with the latest updates, reactions and analysis of the anti-government protests:

4.17 pm: K24 Reporter Injured By Live Bullet

Catherine Wanjeri Kariuki, a K24 reporter based in Nakuru is at Valley Hospital after being badly injured by a live bullet which is still lodged in her thigh.

A video seen by Viral Tea showed her writhing in pain as Kenyans attended to the journalist who could barely move owing to the impact of the bullet. It is reported that there are three exit holes in her leg.

In similar events, Citizen TV's Emmanuel Too posted on X that he was slightly injured after being hit by a teargas canister on the leg.

3.40 pm: Teargas Engulfs Nairobi CBD Hospital

Police have lobbed teargas at the entrance of Bliss Hospital in Nairobi CBD, sending Kenyans scampering for cover and covering their noses and mouths to protect themselves from the smoke from the teargas.

Reports also reaching Viral Tea's newsdesk revealed that another medical facility was teargassed at Mukuru kwa Ruben, prompting newborns to be subjected to oxygen.

The situation continues to be volatile in the city. Another video has emerged showing a woman reportedly shot in the city.

3.01 pm: KNCHR's Update On Kenyans Killed During Protests

According to the latest data released by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), 50 people have been killed and 413 injured since nationwide demonstrations against the Finance Bill 2024 began on Tuesday, June 18.

Some of them succumbed to injuries while they were undergoing treatment while other bodies were discovered under the debris of the burnt Sunbeam Mall in Nairobi. 

The dead are from Nairobi (21), Nakuru (3), Laikipia (2), Narok (1), Kajiado (3), Uasin Gishu  (4), Kakamega (2), Kisumu (3), Kisii (1), Mombasa (3), Siaya (1), Kiambu (1), Nandi (1), Embu (1), Homabay (1), Nyeri (1) and Bungoma (1).

"The Commission urges proper investigations into the killings and injuries. Those found culpable whether civilian or security agent should be charged. In addition, the Commission shall also pursue command responsibility for all documented instances of police brutality and excesses," KNCHR's statement read in part.

3:00 pm - Nakuru Protests: Police Allegedly Abduct Protester

Nakuru has become the latest flashpoint in a series of nationwide protests that have turned violent. Eyewitnesses reported that police allegedly abducted a protester in Nakuru's Central Business District, intensifying the already charged atmosphere.

The unidentified man was seen being forcibly taken by both uniformed and plain-clothed officers into an unmarked police car. His current whereabouts are unknown, adding to the tension and fear among the protesters.

The protests, which had started peacefully, quickly escalated as police resorted to firing tear gas at the crowds. Although many areas in Nakuru have remained relatively calm, the recent developments have heightened the unrest.

Police presence in Nakuru has increased significantly, with officers patrolling the streets on foot and on horseback, creating a tense and volatile environment.

A protestor in Nairobi narrowly escaped a similar alleged abduction, fighting officers to free himself before racing for his life.

2.25 pm: Protesters Stop Goons From Looting Shoes Shop

In Kakamega, protesters were captured in a video seen by Viral Tea overpowering goons who wanted to loot a shoe shop. Police intervened to restore calm in the area as attendants were heard panicking on the premises even though the protesters stopped what could have been chaotic scenes.

Also in Kakamega, a group of protestors has stormed and looted a National Oil petrol station, escalating tensions in the region. Footage circulating online captures a large crowd raiding the petrol station, making off with gas cylinders and various other items.

Earlier reports indicated that individuals armed with clubs and batons were seen in the area. However, subsequent videos show protestors disarming these alleged goons, further heightening the chaos.

The atmosphere in Kakamega remains volatile as the situation continues to unfold. Authorities have yet to regain control.

2.00 pm: Child Shot In The Leg In Nairobi CBD

Nairobi's Central Business District has descended into a chaotic zone as the planned protests took a violent turn, resulting in a young boy being shot. This brings the number of individuals shot today to two, with fears of more.

Disturbing footage seen by Viral Tea shows a group of men frantically carrying the injured child, seeking urgent medical attention. The boy, who was shot in his right leg, has become the face of the turmoil gripping the city.

Despite the harrowing incident, it remains unclear what the child was doing in the CBD at the time of the shooting.

1.30 pm: Protester Laments Being Arrested While Buying A Flag & Whistle

Tensions escalated in Eldoret on Tuesday as police officers arrested a protester identified as Peter Njogu, who was buying a flag and a whistle. 

"I was arrested while buying a flag and a whistle. They have asked me to get in here, they are saying they want to ask me some questions. I don't know whether they will release me," Njogu stated. 

His arrest has sparked further outrage among protestors, who see it as a crackdown on their right to peaceful assembly.

1.20 pm: Protester Shot In The Eye

A graphical image seen by Viral Tea has emerged showing a protester who was shot in the eye during the anti-government protests.

On X, a user named Collins Asweto rallied Kenyans to mobilise urgent medical attention. He wrote, "Currently at bliss, he needs a referral. We need an ambulance ASAP".

Meanwhile, the situation is growing more volatile as teargas has been lobbed at multiple areas in the capital city's Central Business District (CBD), which has been thrown into chaos as protests against government policies turn violent, leading to intense clashes between demonstrators and police.

Protests began quietly but escalated into running battles across the city's streets. Authorities had vowed to disperse any gatherings, and they made good on their promise, with police using force to break up crowds. 

The standoff has seen demonstrators police hurling tear gas at protestors.

1 pm: Streets Deserted in Nakuru as Protests Begin

The streets of Nakuru CBD which would normally be teeming with people are deserted, with police on patrol and members of the press wearing press jackets covering every moment of it.

The officers appear to be keeping vigilance for anyone who may infiltrate the protests to cause chaos.

Earlier, Acting Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja issued a statement that reads in part "The National Police Service notes that there are planned demonstrations today Tuesday, July 16, 2024, organised by young Kenyans, also known as Gen Z, to exercise their fundamental right to peacefully assemble, picket and demonstrate under Article 37 of our Constitution."

"In the recent past, however, we have regrettably witnessed the tragic loss of lives, injuries, violence, criminal conduct and the destruction of property from similar protests, resulting in the collective pain and suffering for families and the disruption of business and normal working operations for thousands of Kenyans," he added.

The Acting Inspector General revealed that credible intelligence has been received indicating plans by organised criminal groups to infiltrate and disrupt the peaceful demonstrations.

This information has raised concerns about the safety of the participants. Kanja noted, "This morning, we received credible intelligence indicating that certain organised criminal groups have planned to infiltrate, disrupt and destabilise the peaceful nature of the demonstrations, which could potentially jeopardise the safety of demonstrators."

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