A second protestor who was injured during the demonstrations on Thursday, June 20, has died as a result of his injuries.
Evans Kiratu died on Friday, June 21, after allegedly being struck in the groin by a tear gas canister during protests.
Kiratu was quickly transported to Kenyatta National Hospital by a group of well-wishers, where he received treatment for severe injuries and internal bleeding.
Chris, one of those who assisted in transporting Kiratu to the hospital, confirmed that Kiratu died around 12 p.m. on Friday.
Speaking to the press, Chris revealed the heartbreaking details of Kiratu’s last moments.
He also revealed that Kiratu had no siblings, and his mother expressed her desire to distance herself from him.
Despite attempts to inform her of her son’s critical condition, she was adamant.
An earlier video posted on X (formerly Twitter) showed Kiratu confronting a police officer near the Nyayo Stadium area.
Kiratu accuses the officer of striking his groin. He is seen falling to the ground while holding his groin area.
As of now, the hospital and police have not officially confirmed Kiratu’s death.
His death is the second fatality linked to alleged police actions during the protests.
Earlier, Rex Masai, a late-20s protester, died from injuries sustained in an alleged police shooting in the Central Business District.
The incident, which was caught on camera, has sparked outrage and demands for justice.
The protests that swept across 17 regions of the country on Thursday were in response to the contentious Finance Bill of 2024.
Young Kenyans marched through Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, Eldoret, Nakuru, Kericho, Lodwar, Kilifi, Nyeri, Meru, Embu, Nanyuki, Kisii, Kakamega, Machakos, Taita Taveta, and Kiambu.
Demonstrators expressed their displeasure with the bill beginning early in the morning. Citizens united in their dissent, regardless of whether their MPs supported the ruling coalition or the opposition.
The protests, which were more intense than those on Tuesday, were met with harsh responses from mounted police armed with tear gas, batons, water cannons, and live ammunition.
Protesters chanted, carried placards, and sang songs of resistance while clashing with police.
The rallying cry, “Occupy Parliament,” echoed through the streets, but police kept the crowds away from the National Assembly.
Inspector-General of Police Japhet Koome condemned the protestors’ actions and stressed the importance of maintaining order.
“With respect to the Constitution stipulating the right of citizens to assemble, demonstrate and picket, the service will neither condone nor approve efforts to occupy critical government infrastructure or disrupt parliamentary proceedings,” he stated.
The aftermath of Thursday’s nationwide protests was significant, with at least 200 people injured and over 100 arrested.
These figures were reported by a coalition of human rights groups, highlighting the scope of the unrest.
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