A private citizen is reported to have shot and injured at least three people during a demonstration in Mombasa against the controversial finance bill.
The incident, occurred on Nyerere Road, a usually bustling thoroughfare in the city.
According to multiple witnesses and confirmation from law enforcement, the suspect fired shots at close range, striking the demonstrators.
The motivations behind the shooting are still under investigation, but preliminary reports suggest that the suspect was angered by the protestors, who had disrupted business activities along Nyerere Road.
The demonstration, which was part of a larger series of protests across the country, was aimed at voicing opposition to the newly proposed finance bill.
Critics of the bill argue that it imposes heavy taxes and stringent financial regulations that could stifle economic growth and burden ordinary citizens.
The protestors had gathered in significant numbers, chanting slogans and carrying placards to express their discontent.
Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos and panic as the shots rang out. One witness, who asked to remain anonymous, recounted the terrifying moments following the gunfire.
“People were running in every direction, trying to find cover,” they said. “It was sheer panic. We didn’t know where the shots were coming from or if there would be more.”
Law enforcement officials quickly arrived on the scene, securing the area and providing first aid to the injured before ambulances arrived to transport them to nearby hospitals.
The condition of the injured individuals remains unknown at this time, though reports indicate that they are receiving medical attention.
Human rights organizations and civic groups have called for a thorough investigation into the shooting and urged the government to ensure the safety of its citizens, especially during public demonstrations.
“This incident is a stark reminder of the potential dangers that come with exercising the right to protest,” said a spokesperson for a local human rights group.
“While we respect the need for law and order, the use of violence against unarmed civilians is unacceptable and must be met with swift justice.”
The suspect, whose identity has not been released, is reportedly in police custody and is expected to face charges related to the shooting.
Authorities have yet to release a detailed statement, but they have assured the public that a comprehensive investigation is underway.
The incident has also sparked a broader discussion about the state of public safety and the right to peaceful assembly in Kenya.
As the country grapples with economic challenges and political tensions, the need for dialogue and non-violent means of addressing grievances has become more pressing than ever.
As Mombasa residents come to terms with the shocking events, there is a collective hope that justice will be served and that such a tragic incident will not be repeated.
The right to protest is a fundamental aspect of any democracy, and safeguarding that right while ensuring public safety remains a delicate but essential balance.
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