Turkana Central Police Commander Evans Ombui has reported that the injured youth in the Turkana protests was evacuated and rushed to the hospital for treatment after filing a report at Lodwar Police Station.
The victim, Amoni Kerio was attacked by a group of suspected goons armed with rungus and stones at Kanamkemer junction as they prepared to march to Lodwar town for a peaceful demonstration and to present their petition at the County Offices.
In a video seen by the Star, Kerio can be heard questioning why he was being beaten, insisting that he had done nothing wrong.
"Mbona mnanipiga bure? Mimi nimekuja kutetea mtu ambaye ako nyumbani hana kazi. Mbona mimi mnataka kunipiga?" he asked, which translates to, "Why are you beating me for nothing? I have come for the sake of the person who is at home unemployed. Why do you want to beat me?"
The protesters had come out to express their dissatisfaction with the governance of Turkana County.
Faith Ajikon called for the disbandment and firing of the entire Turkana County Public Service Board, accusing it of corruption and backdoor job allocations without advertisements.
"We are deeply troubled by illegal appointments that are taking place without proper advertisement and due process. This blatant disregard for transparency and fairness undermines the trust and confidence we have in our county government," Ajikon said.
Cecilia Kaleeng pointed out that although Turkana receives substantial funding, it remains one of the poorest counties in terms of development.
She demanded the immediate revocation of illegal appointments, the resignation of the public service board commissioners and chairperson, the dismissal of county officials involved in politics, and the implementation of the local content bill.
The youth had gathered to deliver a petition to the Turkana County government, voicing their concerns over alleged poor governance.