Chaos in Karatina as residents light bonfire during demos

Residents in Karatina, Nyeri County have come out to protest in demand for accountability to those who lost their lives during the anti-Finance Bill 2024 protests.

They lit bonfires on the roads and chanted songs.

The agitated protesters displayed live bullets allegedly fired by police officers during the protests.

The Karatina protesters chanted and danced around as they protested.

Business activities in the area were at a standstill with shops closed.

Demonstrations are ongoing in various towns across the country.

Police have been firing teargas to disperse protesters in various towns where the demonstrations are taking place.

Today, July 16, marks exactly four weeks since the Anti-Finance bill protests started on Tuesday, June 18, 2024.

Tuesday’s protests were called by the organisers to primarily pile pressure on the government to take accountability for the people who lost their lives during the protests, and those still missing.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has reported that so far, a total of 50 people have died in connection with the anti-government protests.

In a statement, KNCHR said 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 deceased 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 number of the injured stands at 413)," the statement noted.

The commission's Chairperson Roseline Odede, urged proper investigations into the killings and injuries.

"Those found culpable whether civilian or security agent should be charged," she said.

Odede stated that the commission will also pursue command responsibility for all documented instances of police brutality and excesses.