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The groups also reported on the arrest of 35 individuals across various counties, with Nairobi recording the highest number at 20.
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Other counties where arrests were made are Garissa (1), Kisumu (3), Vihiga (4), Narok (4), Uasin Gishu (1), and Nakuru (2).
Image: KEITH MUSEKE
At least 200 individuals sustained injuries during Thursday's demonstrations in Nairobi, human rights groups have alleged.
A statement released by Amnesty International and five other human rights organisations on Thursday said the injuries reported range from soft tissue injuries and inhalation of tear gas.
The protests were organized in opposition to the Finance Bill, which has sparked widespread discontent across the country.
They reported that out of the total injured, approximately 50 individuals have been transferred to specialised medical facilities in Nairobi for further treatment, it said.
The groups include Kenya Medical Association, Law Society of Kenya, Defenders Coalition, Independent Medical Legal Unit and Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.
Some five individuals are said to have suffered injuries from rubber bullets, tear gas canisters, and baton charges, while six others were hit by vehicles as they fled from police dispersals.
"Live shootings were confirmed with the recovery of spent cartridges," the joint statement reads.
The groups also reported on the arrest of 35 individuals across various counties, with Nairobi recording the highest number at 20.
Other counties where arrests were made are Garissa (1), Kisumu (3), Vihiga (4), Narok (4), Uasin Gishu (1), and Nakuru (2).
Protests were reported in 19 counties including Nyeri, Nakuru, Kisumu, Uasin Gishu (Eldoret), Isiolo, Kisii, Laikipia (Nanyuki), and Kilifi.
Others are Garissa, Kiambu (Thika), Kakamega, Nairobi, Meru, Kericho, Kirinyaga, Mombasa, Embu, Machakos and Migori.
According to the organisations, the demonstrations were largely peaceful.
They commended protesters for their restraint despite alleged provocations by the police who utilized tear gas and water cannons.
In their statement, they have at the same time called on law enforcement agencies to refrain from excessive force, intimidation, and unlawful arrests.
They also urged all parties involved, including protest organisers and the public to report incidents related to the protests.
“We advise all protest organizers, protestors, and the public to report incidents, continue using our helplines below, and check our social media platforms for more resources,” the statement further reads.