Published on June 22, 2024 by Agencies for Kenya Online News
Last Updated on 2 years by Agencies for Kenya Online News
A second 2024 Finance Bill protester Evans Kiratu, allegedly struck by a tear gas canister in his groin during the protests, passed away on Friday, June 21.
Kiratu was taken to Kenyatta National Hospital by a group of well-wishers, where he was treated for severe injuries and internal bleeding.
Police said they had been informed of the death.
They said they are investigating the same.
One of those who helped to take Kiratu to the hospital confirmed that Kiratu died around noon on Friday, June 21.
On Saturday, Kiratu’s family positively identified his body at the KNH morgue.
“A Good Samaritan said he was hit by a teargas canister on his private parts and could not do anything,” Rachel Waithanje, Kiratu’s aunt, claimed.
His death marked the second fatality linked to protests.
Rex Masai, 29, a protester died after allegedly being on June 20 along Moi Avenue in Nairobi.
The incidents have sparked calls for action on the officer behind the shooting.
Police say they are investigating the incidents.
A team from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority visited the scene of the shooting on Saturday as part of the probe.
The protests that swept across 17 regions of the country on Thursday were a response to the contentious Finance Bill, 2024.
Young Kenyans took to the streets in Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, Eldoret, Nakuru, Kericho, Lodwar, Kilifi, Nyeri, Meru, Embu, Nanyuki, Kisii, Kakamega, Machakos, Taita Taveta, and Kiambu.
The protests, more intense than those on Tuesday, faced a harsh response from mounted police equipped with tear gas and water cannons.
As they clashed with the police, protesters chanted, carried placards, and sang songs of resistance.
The rallying cry, “Occupy Parliament,” echoed through the streets, but police forces ensured the crowds were kept away from Parliament Buildings.
Inspector-General of Police Japhet Koome condemned the protesters’ actions, emphasising the importance of maintaining order.
