- "Those people who were protesting at night were shot by the military so that they could clear the way to pass their military vehicles."
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Protesters managed to subdue the officers and they had to withdraw from the scene.
Image: THE STAR
Numerous inconsistent reports have emerged following a night of terror in Githurai on Tuesday.
Reports received from Githurai residents revealed that intense shootings that led to several killings in the area were from law enforcement agencies.
Crowds of alleged peaceful protesters were seen demonstrating all day against the ongoing construction on a football field and the Finance Bill.
It is claimed that the protesters became violent when security officers started shooting teargas and bullets.
Information received from the police report regarding the issue asserted that indeed the protests were initially peaceful but they later turned violent.
"The group numbered about six thousand became violent and lit a bonfire on the road," the report reads.
Additionally, the report showed that the protesters managed to subdue the officers and they had to withdraw from the scene.
"As they were withdrawing they blocked the road with an electric pole and consequently cut off the police Land Cruiser belonging to Mwiki police station from the convoy and completely burned it down and vandalised its remains," the report reads.
It added that two other police Cruisers from Mwihoko and Kimbo police stations were also vandalised with their windscreens and side mirrors broken.
The report also noted that a total of twenty police officers on duty were injured in the altercation with most of them being treated and discharged.
Video footage seen on social media by the Star shows law enforcement shooting rounds of bullets at protesters at the said hours.
Residents claim that gunshots and tear gas filled the air in the hours between 7 PM and 9 PM.
In an interview one of the residents said when they confronted the alleged law enforcement officer they could not confirm whether they were from the military or they were anti-riot police.
The police report said that officers from both the Githurai sub-county and Kasarani responded.
Another interview with a resident, Mwaura Kimotho, alleged that the security officers were shooting aimlessly.
"Walikua wanapiaga tu marisasi vile wanataka," he said.
"Early this morning as I was walking to the bus stage, I saw a man lying on the road with a bullet wound on his forehead. He was dead," Mwaura said.
Mwaura said that tear gas fumes reached their homes.
In another interview with a resident who wished to remain anonymous, it was revealed that several people were shot and killed.
"Hao watu ambao walikua wanaaandama usiku waliuwawa na wanajeshi ndio waweze kupitisha hizo magari zao za kijeshi," he said.
In addition, he asserted claims that suspected cops were shooting aimlessly.
The police have since taken responsibility for the shooting incident.
"During the demonstrations, 740 7.62 mm rounds and 5.56 mm rounds were spent," the police report said.
"700 teargas canisters and 258 pieces of 37/38 teargas were used to disperse the violent protesters."